Greek jockeys lament privatization delays

Published Dec. 19, 2013 11:45 a.m. ET

foxsports

Greece hasn't seen many demonstrations in favor of privatization during its acute four-year financial crisis, but jockeys are keen to be rid of a state-run agency that controls racetrack betting, and they rode their horses into central Athens to make their point.

Jockeys, as well as racecourse officials, are angry at the lack of progress in Greece's privatization program, and warn that the industry could suffer a major setback if a late January deadline expires without the sale of the Horse Race Betting Organization, ODIE.

The government has so far failed to pass legislation required for the privatization deal. Without it, the agency faces closure to the potential ruin of a racetrack outside Athens.