Geoffrey Podger responds to the Racing Post article on HSE banning exercising in the dark in Newmarket

The Editor
Racing Post
1 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5AP

Sir,

Your piece on 23 July, "Brittain hits out at decision to ban exercising in the dark in Newmarket" is factually incorrect.

HSE has not issued a directive that will ban trainers from exercising horses in the dark from October. The incident at a crossing in Newmarket in December 2006, was reported to us, but we did not formally investigate it as it did not meet our selection criteria.

Yours faithfully
Geoffrey Podger
Chief Executive
Health and Safety Executive
Rose Court
2 Southwark Bridge
London
SE1 9HS