Independent bookmaker Ben Keith of Star Sports was one of the first to respond to the setting up of a new committee to consider the future of the English Derby.
In a letter to GBGB chairman Tom Kelly, Keith throws his hat into the ring as a potential sponsor and promotes Towcester as the most suitable venue. Keith writes: “I believe that, for a multitude of reasons, Towcester Racecourse, deserve this honour. Most of all though, because they are making huge efforts to promote the sport. Efforts, that I cannot see, being made elsewhere, at this time. I am aware also, that they are dealing with the railer-bias, the track currently has.”
However, the Star received an email from reader Mike Harrod who appears less than impressed with the whole procedure.
He writes: “Surely the GBGB could contact all the tracks by ‘phone, plus all potential sponsors, either by ‘phone, or email, instead of spending money on an advert in the Racing Post. It is increasingly apparent that the current Board of Directors are not fit for purpose, and sweeping changes must be be made sooner than later, at both the GBGB & BGRF, if the sport is to survive. Who is lobbying the Minister of Sport for a Levy, and why aren’t we all being told to lobby our MPs? Has anything positive been achieved under the current CEO I wonder?”
