Sir, - Having read Kevin Blake’s column in the December 20th edition of The Irish Field (‘Starting price manipulation reveals need for betting ring rethink’), I would like to make several points.

The funding of Irish racing has always been dependant on the taxation raised from the on-course and off-course bookmakers. For punters to have any faith in the product, they must be confident that the market which is supplying the prices is robust and credible.

In HRI’s 2015 budget, however, not one cent of the €54.4 million will go on protecting the integrity and strength of the betting ring. Instead of trying to create a vibrant ring in which punters can be confident of being laid and paid to reasonable amounts, HRI seem to be intent on the systematic destruction of the on-course market.

HRI has recently allowed the on-course betting shops to lay singles (win bets) on the home meeting. This decision was taken as a result of an untested legal opinion which was obtained by HRI. The on-course bookmakers have always questioned impartiality and credibility of the outcome in which HRI had a vested interest. This was clearly a commercial decision, which has resulted in the on-course shop having a huge advantage, as opposed to a matter of fair competition. Those who have benefited from the dispute in Dundalk seem to also be the biggest winners in this matter too.

This decision has distorted the starting price (SP) and betting shows which are sent to the betting shops. HRI is responsible for issuing a license for returning the SP. It is also incredible how HRI claims it oversees the integrity of such a process while simultaneously benefiting financially from the laying of singles in the betting shop which is clearly affecting the on course market.

Kevin also refers to the Betfair SP. HRI has continually informed the on-course bookmakers’ representatives that a license is required to return an SP in Ireland. As far as I am aware the only SP license that has been granted has been acquired by SIS.

It is therefore unfair to compare the industry SP to an SP which is unlicensed and is not verified by an independent source. The industry SP is being returned to an each-way market, while the unlicensed Betfair SP is being returned to a win-only market. These markets are different, irrespective of whether or not there is a short price favourite.

To think also that the Betfair market is not ‘manipulated’ at times is being naïve.

I would be totally against an SP market which was formulated from unregulated, unlicensed and non-tax paying betting platforms. At this moment in time betting exchanges, on-course betting shops and Tote Ireland are not subject to any authorised code of conduct and therefore cannot be included in any credible sample.

With regards to Dundalk, Judge Hogan is due to award costs and compensation in the case on January 9th. This case will have cost millions by the time it is over. I believe that an independent inquiry should be called to investigate the shortcomings and those responsible for this should eventually be held accountable for their actions. – Yours etc.,

BRIAN GRAHAM

Bookmaker,

Belfast,

Co Antrim