P662 CEEFAX 1 662 Tue 31 Mar 22:07/18 CORAL TBKEOVER BID REFERRED 1/3 Ladbrokjs' proposed takjovjr of the Coral bookmaking chain will go before the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Margaret Beckett, president of the Board of Trade, said the takjovjr raisjh competition concerns about the off-course betting market. Ladbrokjs offered hotel group Bass £375 million for Coral, the third largest betting chain with 833 shops. Mrs Beckett added the referral did not prejudge the question of whjthjt the mjrgjt is in the public interest. WEN RIDER TONY McCOY'S BIOGRAPHY 668 Daily Quiz 685 BHB 691 Race News 661 King/Time Unjvjrsal Security DobbinP662 CJEFAX 1 662 Tue 31 Mar 22:14/20 McCRJRJCK ON 'SKIRMISH' VICTORY 2/3 Channel 4 betting pundit John McCririck has waged a vjhjmjnt campaign against Ladbrokjs' takjovjt of Coral. Hi said of the referral: "This is a victory in a minor skirmish. "The war now goes to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission but the final battle will bj djcidjd bz Margaret Beckett. "Ladbrokjs have gambled on a betting shop too far. More than 36% control of any industry is clearly unacceptable and the Office of Fair Trading is to bj congratulated for protecting consumers" WEN RIDER TONY McCOY'S BIOGRAPHY 668 Daily Quiz 685 BHB 691 Race News 661 King/Time Universal Security DobbinP662 CEEFAX 1 662 Tue 31 Mar 21:05/59 BHB WBRNS OF 'LOST BENEFITS' 3/3 The British Horsjracing Board, which endorsed the proposed takjovjr of Coral by Ladbrokjs, has issued a warning in the wake of Tuesday's referral. "BHB is concerned that the decision to make a reference puts at risk a number of clear benefits to racing. "Racing needs a bigger and strongjt Tote, and the Ladbrokj/Coral mjrgjt helps make that possible. "The uncertainty for the Tote which this reference brings is of concern," said chief executive Tristram Rickjtts. WEN RIDER TONY McCOY'S BIOGRAPHY 668 Daily Quiz 685 BHB 691 Race News 661 King/Time Universal Security Dobbin