Andy Burnham, born just over a mile from Aintree, attended the races for the first time earlier this year, but his new government may have gambling in its sights, causing concern for the horse racing industry.
Political instability mirrors racing's leadership churn
Seven prime ministers in 10 years is a turnover rate that even the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) cannot match, having had five full-time leaders in the same period, or six if counting two-time interim chair David Jones. As the search for Lord Charles Allen's successor continues after his brief stint ended in March, Jones remains the sport's figurehead in the crucial early weeks of Burnham's administration.
Burnham's limited contact with racing
Burnham was born a mile and a half from Becher's Brook at Fazakerley Hospital, where many jockeys have been treated after falls at Aintree. However, he has attended the races only once, on the Friday of the Grand National meeting earlier this year. "I feel a bit ashamed," he told an interviewer. "I was born [nearby] and this is my first ever time at the races. Fifty-six years on this earth, and I've made it here now."
Lisa Nandy remains culture secretary
Initially, the most significant decision for racing is Lisa Nandy's continuation as culture secretary. She oversaw the successful "Axe The Racing Tax" campaign against harmonisation of online duty rates for betting and gaming products, acting as intermediary between racing and the Treasury. However, she allowed the Gambling Commission to proceed with affordability checks for gamblers, a policy inherited from the previous Conservative administration, despite warnings that it could cost the sport hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue.
Affordability checks raise concerns
Any hope that an incoming culture secretary might pause the affordability checks process has been extinguished. Racing hopes Nandy will take renewed interest and demand transparency and accountability as checks are rolled out. If checks are not as "frictionless" as promised, action will be needed soon.
Burnham's stance on gambling sponsorship
In the longer term, Burnham's approach to the gambling industry could prove significant. As Manchester's mayor, he co-signed a letter to Nandy arguing for local authorities to have more powers to prevent the spread of gambling premises. He has also expressed support for the campaign group Against The Odds, which aims to "phase out gambling sponsorship across all levels and all types of sport."
Potential impact of a sponsorship ban
A ban on gambling sponsorship in sport that does not exempt horse racing would be potentially ruinous for the industry. In addition to tens of millions of pounds in direct sponsorship annually, the value of the sport's terrestrial broadcasting rights, which underpin ITV's free-to-air showcase for racing on around 100 days each year, would vanish overnight.
Even with an exemption for racing, a sponsorship ban would be a significant blow for betting, which has been increasingly marginalised by the growth of casino-style gaming and slots over many years. According to the latest Gambling Commission survey, betting on sport ranked 18th out of 22 gambling activities for association with high Problem Gambling Index Severity (PGSI) score, while in-person and online casino ranked second and third respectively.
Looking ahead
If the Burnham administration addresses the failings of the 2005 Gambling Act, it could be a positive for racing and punters. For now, a willingness to listen and act if affordability checks prove toxic would be a good start.
