'National' trainer on tax charges

Norman Mason, right, is charged with tax evasion

Millionaire Grand National winning trainer Norman Mason has appeared in court charged with tax evasion.

Mr Mason, whose horse Red Marauder ran to victory at Aintree in 2001, is accused of failing to pay VAT earlier this year.

The Sunderland based businessman faces 24 charges of non-payment between 5 January and 6 March.

Sunderland magistrates adjourned the case for five weeks at the request of the defence.

No pleas were entered.

Proudest achievement

Mr Mason's company, the Mason Organisation, also faces five similar charges and NB Mason Entertainment Ltd faces six.

A second man, Jack Conaboy, whose address was given as the Mason company headquarters, faces 18 charges.

Self-made millionaire Mr Mason owns a 40-horse stable at Brancepeth Manor Farm in County Durham.

His proudest achievement in the sport came in April 2001, when Red Marauder romped to victory at the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool.

Payment

The Mason Organisation, based above Chambers Nightclub in Sunderland, boasts bingo clubs, pubs and amusement arcades and employs 500 people.

He has used money from his leisure interests to pay for his racing activities, which developed after he was given a brood mare as payment for a debt more than 30 years ago.