Betfred Buy - Harmful for Racing?

[sparkymarky]

This may seem a strage title, but what do people think about Betfred buying the Tote. As long as it helps racing, then any purchase is great, but unfortunately I cannot help but think of the Negatives associated with this Purchase.
The main problem I see is the lack of Sponsorship for some of the vital races. Totesport sponsor most of the top quality races, such as the Gold Cup, Gold Trophy, Cambridgeshire & Ebor. Now Betfred have taken over, just how many races will they be prepared to stick with? Betfred sponsor very little in the racing world with the exception of the Temple & Sprint Cup, both ran at Haydock. This is slightly concerning as it does pose a question whether Betfred will take over the sponsorship of the races, or whether it will remain as the Tote. If some of races become sponsored by Betfred, I do believe that racing will be in crisis because I think that Betfred will refuse to sponsor the same number of races that the tote actually do now. I hope I am proved wrong, but I can't see it happening.
Also, how strange will the Gold Cup be if it becomes the Betfred Gold Cup, after listening to the coversation on the Morning Line.

[redcgull]

I think that if BetFred can also et more people involved into the racing fraternity then all the good. But im a bit like you here Sparky...

When i company takes over any established organisation, there will be moving parts to the deal. Im sure they have lined up a change to certain races... (god i hope its not going to be called The Bet Fred Gold Cup...!!! ) And im sure that they will want more exposure for his name and company, BetFred... I suppose that all they will say is that they are promoting the names of these races and giving them more air time, but im not so sure...

The point you make is a good one. Bet Fred dont have a great deal of exposure within the naming or sponsoring of certain races and this maybe an area that BF want to move into... The Tote had some very good races under its banner and im sure a new name will have to be put onto it. Will it be BF, we will have to wait and see...

The only thing that is for sure BF bought it to make money. It increases its portfolio and i hope this isnt the mian reason for them buying the Tote...

Time will tell...

[bucks]

I see Betfred are refusing to pay out on a B Curly sting not long ago, it was for about a million quid i think. Is this the right kind of people we want to be running the tote??

[degs74]

Cant trust a Man Utd fan in my view