'Everyone in racing needs to get off their backside - our fight is their fight'

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.