'Give them pain and discomfort' - British racing told to make life tough for government as battle lines are drawn over tax consultation

While the racing world's attention was focused on events at Royal Ascot last week, away from Berkshire there were some rare and unexpected comments being made by senior racing figures.

Jockey Club senior steward Dido Harding asked to do a "rare thing" and agree with Arena Racing Company chief executive Martin Cruddace, while National Trainers Federation chief executive Paul Johnson added that in a "truly unheard-of situation" he agreed with both of them.

The scene of this unusual outbreak of unanimity was the launch of a report by the Racing and Bloodstock All Party Parliamentary Group into the future of British racing in London last Monday.