Thursday’s column @scotsunsport and new edition of The Inside Track on way later with @robertthomson55 @ScottishSun @YouTube 🏇

I see it in a simple way, call me a simpleton. British racing should not be propped up or funded by electronic cash cow gambling machines. It isn't right is the moral standing. That aside, questions have to be asked why racing cannot be funded properly and plans have to be made on how it will be funded properly. It really is time to step away from the machine, recognise what racing brings to people socially and how important the industry is, without the need for this seedy funding of the sport. View it as an opportunity, the road will be rocky and there will have to be some back steps, but please have confidence in the sport and the product. Do not let these online big corporations ruin it for all like they have greyhound racing. Don't be reactionary, be visionary and take the steps needed to have a thriving sport in the long term, the short term view does not work!

The Government has announced new plans to crack down on bookmakers on our high streets. Andy Burnham has withdrawn the aim to permit rule, so in England any new bookmaker needs planning permission. As co-chair of the Gambling Reform APPG, I welcome these new plans.

"There's a real concern about high streets that have been hollowed out, particularly in former industrial areas." Andy Burnham wants to make it harder for new vape shops and betting shops to open in England, as he seeks to revive the high street trib.al/ajbyZau