Starting price revolution likely as off-course prices to be permanent fixture

A revolution in the way the starting price is returned looks set to come into force when racing returns in full, with the news that off-course prices are likely to be used to help calculate the SP.

While prices provided by the on-course market will also be used, the news will come as a further blow to racecourse bookmakers – already suffering from their business grinding to a halt due to the suspension of racing – as they benefit financially from the use of their data in calculating the SP.

The move was criticised by Chris Hudson, president of the British Racecourse Bookmakers Association, who said there should be a proper consultation on any changes and warned that this could tip more on-course firms "over the edge".