Racehorse trainers split on threat to boycott ITV interviews

Racehorse trainers are split over plans to boycott post-race interviews with ITV and the racing channels from February 1 unless they collectively receive £500,000 from media rights.

The threat has been put forward by a body called the Professional Racing Association, an ad hoc organisation set up by Plumpton Racecourse owner Peter Savill – the former British Horseracing Authority chairman – ostensibly to call out those racecourses that deliver poor prize money.

His organisation claims to represent 170 trainers but nearly all of them are also members of the National Trainers Federation, the official body representing 435 trainers.

Currently the plan is likely to fail, for the simple reason that the trainers do not have unanimity despite Dan Skelton’s claims on Sunday that “most” of his colleagues were behind it.

While acknowledging ongoing negotiations are frustrating, the NTF has countenanced against such radical action, saying it would be unhelpful to ongoing negotiations between the Thoroughbred Group and the racecourses.

“Our position,” said its statement, which was unanimously supported by the NTF council that includes a number of high profile trainers, “is not to seek direct payment for media interviews.

“Whilst we agree that trainers providing interviews generates value for the sport, we believe that the sharing of this value is something that must be achieved through the signing of commercial partnership deals between participants and racecourses, as sought by the Thoroughbred Group.”

Jamie Snowden, a trainer enjoying a terrific season, sits on the NTF council and said: “It’s just racing shooting itself in the foot again. Of course the majority are going to speak when a microphone is thrust in their direction after a winner. It’s self-publicity, why would you not? Racing needs to unite.”

Scotland-based Nick Alexander, a joint president of the NTF, said: “I don’t think a boycott is the right attitude. Besides, being paid would set a different tone for the interviews. We’d rather provide the service for free – it’s good for the sport and good for ourselves. I think that view represents the vast majority.”