Bitter Feud28 Oct 2007 11:53
Out of the 59 British race courses 28 taking live pictures from SiS owned mainly by Ladbrokes and William Hill, are going head to head with Turf TV which supplies pictures from 6 current race meets with a further 25 from Jan 1st. The litigation spat is getting very bitter, with SiS claiming Turf TV is anti-competetive and Turf TV counterclaiming with similar accusations towards SiS. With legal papers being under restricted public access, no details of legal arguments the ensuing battle are available. It is clear to me that both sides want to protect a monopolistic situation. My guess is that an out of Court deal will be struck, as the current acrimony is not good for the industry and the outcome will have seriuos consequences for the costs of subscribing in providing live coverage of race meets. Could Turf TV be suspended, as suggested to the Horse Racing Levy Board, a decision is due Wed. My long shot here is a full takeover by the stronger party and then offers will be made that cannot be refused, heads will roll. This spat is getting more and more bitter.