'Everyone in racing needs to get off their backside - our fight is their fight'
Industry editor Bill Barber talks to BGC chief executive Michael Dugher
Michael Dugher has spent two years as chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) building up to what he describes as a pivotal and once-in-a-generation moment for the gambling industry – and for racing.
The government is due to set out its plans for reform of gambling legislation this spring following a lengthy review and Dugher believes there is a "clear and present threat" to British racing's future if ministers get those proposals wrong.
Making gambling laws "fit for the digital age" was one of the pledges contained within the Conservative Party's 2019 election manifesto and former Labour MP Dugher was announced as the BGC's chief executive three days before voters took to the polls.
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- 'It's tough financially and last year I said I might get a job driving a lorry instead - although to be fair I'd probably crash!'
- 'I'm not here to tell people how to train but if you hide something from me, I'm gone, I'm done - and you won't see me again'
- 'I had to fly back from Saudi on the day for the awards before flying back the following day but it really was a great evening'
- 'The lads often give out to me for saying what I say - but if I didn't say what I thought I wouldn't be being true to myself'
- 'All anyone wants is a pat on the back and these awards show you mean something to the yard and the people there. It's brilliant'