Racing's image under threat again

The Jockey Club today voiced concern over the conduct of the BBC's Panorama programme in its plans to investigate alleged corruption in racing.

But, contrary to suggestions, racing's regulators stressed they have made no move to block filming.

The BBC's flagship news and current affairs programme, due to start its new series next month, is known to have conducted preliminary talks with certain racing figures. Their choice of interviewees would suggest researchers are raking over old ground.

Subjects appear to include the infamous race-fixing and doping inquiry that featured many arrests, fewer charges and was thrown out of court in October 2000 due to insufficient evidence. Allegations emanating from Hong Kong against a leading Britishbased jockey also seem to be on the agenda.

It is not yet known whether Panorama has uncovered any fresh information, but its team did contact Goodwood seeking permission to film at its May meeting. Track officials referred the request to Portman Square, as correct Jockey Club procedure demands. But Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse (above) confirmed no such application has yet been made by Panorama, prompting some concern over the programme's intent. All 59 British racecourses have since been issued with a reminder that TV companies require Club permission prior to filming.

"I cannot recall that any formal request to film at a racecourse has ever been turned down by the Jockey Club, but before that permission is given we would want reassurances that the intention is not to mislead the public about racing," said Maxse.

"We were already aware that Panorama had spoken to a number of racing figures before Goodwood informed us of their request to film there. It is normal procedure that the Jockey Club must grant permission before any TV company, not already under contract to film at racecourses, can go ahead.

"This system means we know who the programme-makers are and where they wish to film so that we can inform racecourse officials to ensure the process runs smoothly. It also means if a programme is not going to have a beneficial effect on the sport, at least we are aware of its progress.

"Since Panorama were informed by Goodwood of our procedure on filming at racecourses they have not yet contacted the Jockey Club. Their researchers have spoken to many people in racing but not us. That does increase concern that they might be looking only to talk to racing's authorities late in the day."

Panorama's lofty reputation has tarnished recently, coinciding with its switch to Sunday nights, but it retains a sizeable following. A BBC spokeswoman confirmed the programme is "looking at various aspects of racing, but is at far too early a stage to go into details".

She added that the racing industry should not read anything untoward into the fact Panorama had not yet contacted the Jockey Club.