THE racing industry was once again on gamble alert after the authorities were made aware of possible coups at two meetings yesterday.

Bookmakers took the unusual step of betting on starting prices only on seven races at Lingfield and Kempton.

Four runners from the yard of Tony Newcombe were slashed earlier, as were Stephen Arnold-owned representatives from Ann Stokell’s stable.

Arnold posted on Twitter he has backed five of his runners.

He tweeted: ‘‘The horses I have backed in multiples are Daniel Thomas, Profile Star, Decent Fella, We Have A Dream, Brown Pete good luck.’’ Several bookmakers halted betting on the races – Lingfield’s 2.00, 2.30, 3.30 and 4.40 and Kempton’s 6.10, 6.40 and 9.10 – and were joined by Boylesports and William Hill.

Robin Mounsey, media manager of the British Horseracing Authority, said: ‘‘BHA alerted the Gambling Commission yesterday to the possibility of a complex bettingrelated issue involving races at Lingfield and Kempton.

‘‘BHA’s internal monitoring and intelligence networks gathered the information and acted positively once verified and these actions alerted the betting industry in order that bookmakers were able to act in a manner they felt appropriate.

‘‘The action taken reflects our immediate priority in these situations which is to protect both the integrity and reputation of the sport and the interests of the betting public.

‘‘We will continue to monitor the situation today, both in terms of the betting markets but also in relation to the actions of those who may be involved in the matter.”