Chamber
Plenary, 08 Jan 2004
08 Jan 2004 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Horse Racing Industry
I join John Scott in congratulating Susan Deacon on securing this evening's debate. Members' business debates are of vital importance to the work of MSPs in raising matters of a specific nature in respect of wider issues. Given that Hamilton park, which is one of the five racecourses in Scotland, is in my constituency, the debate gives me the opportunity to do that.
In general, Lanarkshire is historically synonymous with heavy industry, especially coal and steel. My constituency consists of communities that were built up around those two previously large sources of betting revenue. What is less well known is that my constituency also has other historical significance and that it has some very beautiful areas of natural heritage.
The battle of Bothwell bridge was of great significance in respect of the involvement of the covenanters. No doubt, the battle involved many horses. That battle is not to be confused with the battle of the Bothwell Bridge Hotel, which involved Barry Ferguson, some Celtic supporters and a kebab.
My constituency also contains Strathclyde country park and is an integral part of the Clyde valley tourist area. This is the picturesque setting that is home to Hamilton park racecourse. Hamilton park is independently owned and holds 18 race meetings a year. As Susan Deacon said, along with the other courses in Scotland, it has experienced a growth in popularity. Success in recent years has seen it outperform national averages. There has also been a pleasing increase in the number of senior jockeys attending race meetings at Hamilton park in recent years, including the champion jockey Kieron Fallon.
Since 2000, racegoers' attendance has increased by 26 per cent, with 58,866 visitors attracted to the course in 2003. Since 2000, prize money has increased by 50 per cent to over £1 million in 2003. Over £3 million of racecourse income has been invested since the year 2000.
Hamilton park has been proud to win two awards this year. The first was for ground staff of the year for flat racing. The second—no matter what John Scott says—was for the best racecourse in Scotland and the north-east. The course was recently described in The Times by Alan Lee as
"a course heading for the heights".
The OFT has concluded that the orders and rules of racing limit the capacity for the racing industry to comply with competition law. The conclusion might result in a fixture free-for-all. It could also result in a reduction in the value of racecourse betting income and in the picture and data rights that total more than half of racecourse annual income.
Like those who run Hamilton park, I welcome the opportunity for more freedom to run more races and to have more of a say on race dates. I am told that another three or four fixtures a year could be added at Hamilton. Currently, only one-day events are held there, eight of which are held in the evening. Although that is of benefit to local hotels, Hamilton park is looking for growth. It wants to appeal to corporate business, attract additional local racegoers and host other events.
As Susan Deacon said, a fixture free-for-all is envisaged as a result of the OFT decision. That could pose certain downsides for Hamilton park. Like other courses in Scotland, the course is small, independent and at a geographical disadvantage in respect of accessibility. Although those factors do not undermine its achievements or its potential for further growth, there is the possibility that groups of racecourses in England could use their power to force smaller independent courses out of the good slots. Ultimately, that could reduce the attractiveness and viability of Scottish racing.
I urge the OFT to ensure that the racing industry can continue to operate within a structured framework that will allow successful independent racecourses to thrive. I am encouraged by the comments of the minister with responsibility for tourism and sport at Westminster that the Government wants to ensure that there are comprehensive arrangements for racing across the country.
Scotland's racecourses are looking for the support and backing of the Scottish Parliament for their continued growth. They also want an increase in the number of fixtures; the introduction of an all-weather racetrack; and the prospect of further economic development, investment and training. We need a self-sustaining Scottish racing industry that attracts breeders, owners and trainers. All of that would lead to an expansion of the industry, which, in turn, would lead to the industry making a greater contribution to the economy and to increased employment.
It is important that we have fair trading, but the OFT must not prevent good trading. There is justifiable concern that its efforts will do just that in respect of horse racing. The Scottish Executive should make every effort to ensure that the OFT addresses the industry's concerns.
In general, Lanarkshire is historically synonymous with heavy industry, especially coal and steel. My constituency consists of communities that were built up around those two previously large sources of betting revenue. What is less well known is that my constituency also has other historical significance and that it has some very beautiful areas of natural heritage.
The battle of Bothwell bridge was of great significance in respect of the involvement of the covenanters. No doubt, the battle involved many horses. That battle is not to be confused with the battle of the Bothwell Bridge Hotel, which involved Barry Ferguson, some Celtic supporters and a kebab.
My constituency also contains Strathclyde country park and is an integral part of the Clyde valley tourist area. This is the picturesque setting that is home to Hamilton park racecourse. Hamilton park is independently owned and holds 18 race meetings a year. As Susan Deacon said, along with the other courses in Scotland, it has experienced a growth in popularity. Success in recent years has seen it outperform national averages. There has also been a pleasing increase in the number of senior jockeys attending race meetings at Hamilton park in recent years, including the champion jockey Kieron Fallon.
Since 2000, racegoers' attendance has increased by 26 per cent, with 58,866 visitors attracted to the course in 2003. Since 2000, prize money has increased by 50 per cent to over £1 million in 2003. Over £3 million of racecourse income has been invested since the year 2000.
Hamilton park has been proud to win two awards this year. The first was for ground staff of the year for flat racing. The second—no matter what John Scott says—was for the best racecourse in Scotland and the north-east. The course was recently described in The Times by Alan Lee as
"a course heading for the heights".
The OFT has concluded that the orders and rules of racing limit the capacity for the racing industry to comply with competition law. The conclusion might result in a fixture free-for-all. It could also result in a reduction in the value of racecourse betting income and in the picture and data rights that total more than half of racecourse annual income.
Like those who run Hamilton park, I welcome the opportunity for more freedom to run more races and to have more of a say on race dates. I am told that another three or four fixtures a year could be added at Hamilton. Currently, only one-day events are held there, eight of which are held in the evening. Although that is of benefit to local hotels, Hamilton park is looking for growth. It wants to appeal to corporate business, attract additional local racegoers and host other events.
As Susan Deacon said, a fixture free-for-all is envisaged as a result of the OFT decision. That could pose certain downsides for Hamilton park. Like other courses in Scotland, the course is small, independent and at a geographical disadvantage in respect of accessibility. Although those factors do not undermine its achievements or its potential for further growth, there is the possibility that groups of racecourses in England could use their power to force smaller independent courses out of the good slots. Ultimately, that could reduce the attractiveness and viability of Scottish racing.
I urge the OFT to ensure that the racing industry can continue to operate within a structured framework that will allow successful independent racecourses to thrive. I am encouraged by the comments of the minister with responsibility for tourism and sport at Westminster that the Government wants to ensure that there are comprehensive arrangements for racing across the country.
Scotland's racecourses are looking for the support and backing of the Scottish Parliament for their continued growth. They also want an increase in the number of fixtures; the introduction of an all-weather racetrack; and the prospect of further economic development, investment and training. We need a self-sustaining Scottish racing industry that attracts breeders, owners and trainers. All of that would lead to an expansion of the industry, which, in turn, would lead to the industry making a greater contribution to the economy and to increased employment.
It is important that we have fair trading, but the OFT must not prevent good trading. There is justifiable concern that its efforts will do just that in respect of horse racing. The Scottish Executive should make every effort to ensure that the OFT addresses the industry's concerns.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman):
Lab
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S2M-474, in the name of Susan Deacon, on the horse racing industry in Scotland.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament recognises the significant contribution that the horse racing industry makes to the economy, generating up to £125 million annually and p...
Susan Deacon (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) (Lab):
Lab
I am sure that some members, when they were recovering from their mince pies and turkey, might have settled down at Christmas time to watch "The Great Escape...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
Lab
A significant number of members want to take part in the debate, so I am moving the time for speeches to four minutes.
John Scott (Ayr) (Con):
Con
I congratulate Susan Deacon on securing today's important debate. It is important that the issues surrounding racing are debated here in the Parliament becau...
Michael McMahon (Hamilton North and Bellshill) (Lab):
Lab
I join John Scott in congratulating Susan Deacon on securing this evening's debate. Members' business debates are of vital importance to the work of MSPs in ...
Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
First of all, I want to join in the chorus of appreciation to Susan Deacon for securing this afternoon's debate and for her eloquent introductory speech. The...
Mr John Home Robertson (East Lothian) (Lab):
Lab
I join colleagues from all parties in congratulating Susan Deacon on securing this very important debate. Indeed, the debate must be important, because this ...
Colin Fox (Lothians) (SSP):
SSP
Like other members, I welcome the debate and congratulate Susan Deacon on her motion. I knew that a day would come when spending my teenage years in the book...
Euan Robson (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (LD):
LD
I add to those of other members my congratulations to Susan Deacon on securing this debate. I express my appreciation to the minister for allowing me to say ...
Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab):
Lab
I do not have a direct constituency interest in horse racing—although there are many horses in my constituency, including some extremely successful racehorse...
Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP):
SNP
Does the member agree that George Orwell was right when he said in "Animal Farm","Four legs good, two legs bad"?
Dr Murray:
Lab
I think that that depends on the two legs.At present, equestrian sports and physical activities face some significant barriers. Although this evening's debat...
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
I commend Susan Deacon for her motion, which I was happy to sign, and I congratulate her on securing the debate.Four of the five Scottish racecourses have be...
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Mr Frank McAveety):
Lab
As other members have done, I welcome the debate and congratulate Susan Deacon on bringing it to the chamber. The debate springs from a discussion that we ha...
Stewart Stevenson rose—
SNP
Mr McAveety:
Lab
I see Stewart Stevenson rising to intervene. I shall accept his intervention, but I hope that it will not be about the George Orwell book that has now been c...
Stewart Stevenson:
SNP
I am probably the member who has least connection with racing, but I have a powerful advocate of racing as one of my constituents and he used to speak here o...
Mr McAveety:
Lab
Funnily enough, I was just coming to the ghost of Christmas past. I am reminded of a discussion that I had at Musselburgh with Alex Salmond. We were discussi...
Meeting closed at 18:03.