Racecourse Holdings Trust managing director Richard Johnston today hit back at claims that the RHT asked for what could be regarded as an inducement from one of the bidders for British racing`s media rights.
Towcester Racecourse has requested that the Racecourse Association launch an inquiry into the allegations.
Last week the majority of British tracks gave the go-ahead to Go Racing to enter into a period of exclusive negotiations over a 10-year deal worth #400 million, rejecting the alternative bid from leisure group Carlton.
The decision of the RHT, a Jockey Club subsidiary which controls 12 racecourses including Ascot and Cheltenham, to back Go Racing`s bid over Carlton`s is believed to have been crucial in the final vote.
However Towcester, one of only two courses not to sign up to negotiations, have requested an RCA investigation into the RHT and Johnston`s conduct.
In a statement today, Johnston responded: 'I am going to set the record straight, in light of recent media coverage on RHT.
'The allegation by Towcester racecourse of misconduct is both preposterous and defamatory of RHT and myself.
'Our legal advisors have responded to Towcester Racecourse in the strongest possible terms.
'I am sad that at a moment when the racecourses are approaching the achievement of a new deal for racing we should find ourselves embroiled in this situation.
'RHT has worked tirelessly and quietly for over two years to achieve a media rights solution for the racing industry.
'The RHT Board and I are pledged to act in the best interests of racing and I am personally appalled by the allegations that have been levelled.'
Johnston reiterated that Go Racing`s proposals for terrestrial TV coverage swung the decision in their favour.
'We are led to believe that behind this allegation by Towcester is Towcester`s support of the Carlton bid,' he added.
'The decisive factor in choosing Go Racing`s bid over that of Carlton was the totality of Go Racing`s television coverage.
'Carlton could not convince us that it had an appropriate terrestrial platform and we therefore decided against their offer.'
RCA chairman Angus Crichton-Miller confirmed that Towcester had asked for an inquiry but said that one would not be launched until it was established that there were 'genuine concerns' over the matter.
He said: 'The RCA`s lawyers have been contacted by Towcester`s lawyers and they have certainly requested an investigation.
'Our lawyers are currently in communication with Towcester`s lawyers trying to understand the concerns they have and the basis for those concerns.
'Until we are much clearer about whether there are genuine concerns, properly based, we certainly won`t decide to hold an investigation.
'Equally if it became clear that there was a basis we would reconsider that possibility.'
