Racing: Club warns over strike

THE Jockey Club yesterday predicted that the proposed strike by racehorse owners on 2 November could damage the industry. The Senior Steward, Lord Hartington, warned that a boycott would harm relations with the Government and cause divisions within the sport.

He urged Bill Gredley, the owner who has called for action to win a cut in betting duty, to first put his proposal forward for discussion within the industry.

'The comments which the Jockey Club has received from Westminster and Whitehall indicate that a strike at the moment will not be effective,' he said.

The Martell-sponsored Grand National will buck the trend of dwindling prize-money by offering a winning purse topping pounds 100,000 for the first time.