Listen, Andy Burnham, my 83-year-old mum still uses her local bookies… they are anything but ‘dodgy’

MY 83-year-old mum frequents a “dodgy” business. At least that’s according to the Prime Minister. Like it or not, many people who would otherwise be on their own find a friendly face and someone to talk to in their local bookies – this heavily regulated industry which contributes billions in tax is anything but ‘dodgy’ Credit: Alamy Racing really needs someone to get in the ear of Andy Burnham and explain to him the damage these moves will do to the sport Credit: PA Is she “dodgy” too then, Andy? Shame on you. Shame on you. I know how Andy Burnham considers my old mum because he believes betting shops are run by “dodgy” operators. My Saturday NAP A handicap over 6f. A huge field which is fun. WOODSTOCK hasn’t run over 6f since September of last year, and most of his good form is over 7f. That said they should go quickly here and the Ruth Carr runner is in decent shape having finished fourth in a big field at Thirsk last time. He travelled strongly that day but didn’t last home so he’s got some pace. A few quid each-way with Oisin Orr on top. So that surely means my mum is “dodgy” as well, as she goes to her local betting shop every day. More of Burnham wanting to destroy her much-loved pastime later. Politicians talking and making decisions on subjects they know little about has long been problematic. Burnham, despite coming from the home of the Grand National, clearly doesn’t understand gambling or horse racing. Most read in Horse Racing It means the Sport of Kings in Britain (I’d like to say Great Britain, but who truly believes it’s great anymore?) – which is the second most watched in the country and lorded on a global scale – is in big, big trouble. Anyone who reads this column will know that has been the case for some time, as I’ve been writing about the potential disasters ahead for an age. It has been utterly depressing. I’d love to just pen words about the incredible horses that love to run. But it’s worse now than under ‘Starmer’ or the Conservatives, who let’s not forget started the rot via a disastrous and totally out of control quango in the shape of the Gambling Commission. Horse racing betting and gaming duties are estimated to bring in approximately £4billion to the UK in 2025-26. It’s strange Government doesn’t want the cash. Rest assured when that is wiped out you and I will be the only people making up for the lost dosh. Even more bizarre and indefensible is that Government wants to drive addicts to the unregulated Black Market while ruining a sport that could be boosted – rather than hindered – by those in power to the good of everyone. And that includes those who bet too much. A regulated system will always be best for the very small majority who struggle with any addictions. In Hong Kong and Australia, Governments see horse racing as a thriving world where people enjoy themselves. Not here, people. Not here. What is sickening is that in Britain it’s impossible for the people to question those in charge and to ever get an answer why? Why are you doing this, Mr Burnham? The PM has promised not only to crackdown on bookies but also vape stores and in his words rogue high street operators which he sees as “dodgy”. Not pubs, by the way? Oh no, Burnham wants to be one of the lads’ sipping beers in a pub. He thinks that is cool. Perhaps, Andy, consider my mum. Adopted and with no family other than me, her son, and her daughter Zoe, Mrs Chapman has loved horses and horse racing for as long as I can remember. She would have been the one who encouraged us as a family to go to Fontwell and Sandown. I remember those happy days out well. Dad died in 1997, and since then mum has been alone at home. Her love for horse racing, watching it on the TV and having a bet each day has been a constant comfort. Aged 83, mum can still drive and the marbles are all there. She wakes up, gets her newspaper, goes through the runners, picks out a few for small bets and walks down to her local bookmaker. Now, many bookmakers have changed. We all know that. But hers remains the only place where she lives where she consistently sees the same faces and the staff welcome her and say hello. The process keeps mum’s mind active, her legs moving and gives her an interest in something that happens every day. Genuinely, it makes her life better. Burnham, though, thinks that is dodgy. And his followers do as well. In a tweet from Dawn Butler, the Brent East MP, she merely typed ‘lol’ to a message from gambling hater Matt Zarb-Cousin who said: “Spare a thought for the gambling industry at this difficult time’. Pathetic people. Butler like Burnham wants to control how you spend your hard-earned cash. They want to control you. Politicians, remember, who think they know better than you whether you should be able to place a wager. You can only laugh. It’s disgraceful and if you are not deeply shocked you should be. What will be next on the Burnham control list? Only time will tell. But if you turn a blind eye to the antics of those in charge you only have to blame yourself when you are also described as “dodgy” and your fun times are taken away. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now