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Punters forum blasts report into Grand National SP

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Grand National fences

Grand National: overround of 165 per cent was returned in 2015

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

 By Mark Scully 6:48PM 3 MAR 2016 

THE HORSERACING BETTORS FORUM has reacted with dismay to a report into the controversy surrounding last year’s Grand National prices but Lord Donoughue has argued the nation’s punters are “not in rebellion” over the SP system.

The Starting Price Regulatory Commission (SPRC), which Donoughue chairs, argued the current system “does what it says on the tin” and remains the method by which most punters continue to bet on racing.

Despite the furore surrounding last year’s Grand National SPs, when an overround of 165 per cent was returned, only 15 responses to the consultation leading to the report were received – seven from individuals and a further eight from groups involved with racing or bookmaking.

However, the Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF) claims that number is not an accurate reflection of the number of unhappy punters, as their own response sought to represent the interests of millions.

Donoughue, however, argued the response further demonstrates the acceptance by punters of the SP system, with around three quarters of all slips in betting shops also settled at SP.

‘Punters not in rebellion’

“Some people were saying the SP was finished, so it was an opportunity for us to have a fresh look at it,” said Lord Donoughue.

“We took into account the responses and have now published our consultation. People can read it and make of it what they will but [the lack of responses] did suggest the nation’s punters are not in rebellion.”

The report argues the current system still “represents a fair balance between the interests of punters and bookmakers” and also pointed out that the per-runner overround of 1.67 per cent for last year’s Grand National was not out of line with the three-year average of 1.7 per cent for all races.

“It’s always interesting to go and look at the actual facts and they show that last year’s Grand National was not as out of line as one or two people were suggesting,” said Lord Donoughue.

‘Disingenuous’

However, Simon Rowlands, speaking on behalf of the HBF, disputed the use of the overround per runner figure.

“The SPRC’s citing of overrounds per runner in the Grand National is disingenuous. As has been proved, including to the SPRC itself, overrounds per runner are highly correlated with field size: when you get larger fields you should expect smaller overrounds per runner,” Rowlands said.

“Comparing the over-rounds-per-runner on a 39-runner race already described as unique with British races in general, for which average field sizes are much smaller, reflects poorly on the authors.”

Rowlands also questioned the neutrality of the SPRC’s process, adding: “It can be wondered whether the consultation process itself was valid when the body responsible for it declared at the outset what a good thing the existing system was.

“That was unlikely to encourage anyone considering making a submission to expect a fair hearing for alternatives.

“HBF hopes that this report acts as a catalyst to British racing to push for more credible and comprehensive administration of the betting environment than exists at present.”

Improvements recommended

The SPRC’s report did recommend a number of improvements that could be made to the SP system, including the increase of the sample size to include on-course satellite betting rings and a more widespread displaying of overrounds on racecourses.

Any widening of the sample size would but supported by the HBF, although Rowland’s statement made clear the group is against the inclusion of satellite rings.

Lord Donoughue said the SPRC remain open to suggestions that could improve the SP system but said: “The SP system is treated by the average punter as the standard bet and while nearly three quarters of betting slips use it, we regard that as the market test.”

 

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