Wyatt forced to stay on as Tote chairman

Lord Wyatt's 21-year tenure as Tote chairman was extended past his 79th birthday yesterday when he was re-appointed for another month. In yet another twist to a remarkable saga, he will remain at the helm of the pool-betting organisation until the end of July while the Home Office resolves his successor.

The delay by the Home Office would suggest that Maurice Lindsay, chief executive of the Rugby Football League, is still under consideration for the pounds 75,000 a year post, along with the long-time front-runner Peter Jones, a former British Horseracing Board director.

Wyatt, whose term has already been extended by two months, was expected to retire on Monday with the identity of his successor known. But the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, has been unable to make a choice.

Lindsay said: "I am aware of the speculation but I have never commented on the issue and my position remains the same. I have absolutely no comment whatever to make."

The Rugby Football League insist that Lindsay is staying on as its chief executive. David Callaghan, of the RFL, said: "His position is quite clear. Mr Lindsay remains as the chief executive of the RFL and he has not been offered any other position outside the sport."

n Torrential rain in West Sussex is causing concern for officials at Goodwood who are due to stage one of their popular evening meetings tonight. The clerk of the course, Rod Fabricius, said: "Following two and a half inches of rain in the last 36 hours the course suffered surface water flooding in the straight this afternoon."