Martin Hannan: Many questions as Musselburgh looks down the track to independence

IT MAY seem fanciful to be discussing a possibility that is at least three years away, but some people are already talking about what might happen to the sport of horseracing should Scotland vote for independence in the proposed referendum.

That issue was on the agenda when Musselburgh Racecourse played host to Scotland’s sports minister, Shona Robison, at its last meeting. She was given a tour of East Lothian’s finest acres and was particularly interested in the new £2 million stable complex opened earlier this year.

Robison will no doubt be aware that First Minister Alex Salmond is a keen racing fan and former racing columnist. She will have already reported back that Musselburgh general manager Bill Farnsworth and the racecourse board were keen to discuss how Scottish racing might fare if Scotland gains independence.

It’s a very small part of the independence debate, but one which at some point must be addressed. Recent polls have shown slightly increasing levels of support for independence and, as Farnsworth said: “We have a very interesting situation in that if Scotland votes for independence, will Scottish Racing continue to operate under a UK framework, taking its lead from Westminster legislation, or should it come under the auspices of a Scottish government?

“Horseracing is unlike other sports in Scotland which have indigenous governing bodies and legislation. It may seem fanciful but it is also pragmatic to look ahead and discuss how horseracing will operate in what could be a dramatically-changed political landscape. The minister was interested in how racecourses are funded and the relationship between the racing and betting industries and the financial contributions made by the Levy Board.”

Questions arising include: Could Scottish racing survive on its own? Would it get a fair share of the levy, if the levy continues? What about Scotland’s share of TV revenues?

Farnsworth has looked ahead to see the future for his track and for Scottish racing generally. He is to be commended for raising the issue. Sports such as football and rugby do not have to worry about their independent existence should the referendum deliver a “yes” vote. But it would potentially leave horseracing as the biggest sport in Scotland controlled from down south.