Burnham’s Gambling Policies Could Reshape Horse Racing Industry, Source Claims
Andy Burnham's administration could significantly shift the landscape for British horseracing with proposed sponsorship and gambling regulations. With his brief as Manchester Mayor backing a ban on gambling sponsorship in sport — a measure not exempting horse racing—industry leaders fear a potential meltdown.
Burnham, born near Becher's Brook, witnessed his first races just this year at the Grand National meeting. This may signal a less sympathetic approach toward horseracing, which is Britain’s second-biggest spectator sport after football.
According to Lisa Nandy remaining in her role as Culture Secretary, racing can hope for some continuity. However, any pause or reconsideration of recent policies, such as affordability checks on gambling, is unlikely without early intervention from the top.