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Legal · Cookies · Consent

Cookie Policy

Last reviewed: May 2026 · This policy explains the cookies we use and how you can control them.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, improve their efficiency, and provide reporting to site owners. Cookies set by the website you are visiting are called "first-party cookies". Cookies set by a domain other than the one you are visiting are called "third-party cookies".

In addition to browser cookies, HighlandStakes uses localStorage and sessionStorage — web storage mechanisms with similar purposes but different lifetimes. These are not shared across browser tabs in the same way as cookies but are governed by the same consent rules under the UK PECR and UK GDPR.

Cookies we use

1. Strictly necessary

These cannot be disabled, as the site cannot function without them. They do not track personal data and do not require consent under PECR.

NameTypePurposeDuration
highlandstakes_vnv_agesessionStorageRecords that you confirmed you are 18+ in the current browser session. Prevents the age gate appearing on every page.Session
highlandstakes_vnv_consentlocalStorageStores your cookie consent preferences (analytics and marketing toggles). Prevents the cookie bar appearing after you have made a choice.12 months

2. Analytics cookies

Set only when you select "Accept all" or enable analytics via the preference panel. These help us understand how readers use the site — which pages are most visited, how long sessions last, and which links are clicked.

ProviderPurposeDuration
Google Analytics (GA4)Pseudonymous page-view and event measurement. No identifiable data stored. Data processed under our data-processing agreement with Google.Up to 14 months

3. Marketing and affiliate tracking

Set only when you enable marketing via the preference panel. These allow operators to attribute clicks originating from HighlandStakes for affiliate-commission purposes.

ProviderPurposeDuration
Operator affiliate networksFirst-party or third-party cookies set by operators when you click a sponsored link from this site. Govern commission attribution. Subject to each operator's cookie policy.Varies by operator (typically 30–90 days)

How to manage cookies

You can manage your cookie preferences on HighlandStakes at any time by clicking the button in the footer of any page.

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. The main browsers offer the following resources:

  • Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
  • Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Note: blocking all cookies may prevent parts of the site from functioning correctly, including the consent preference panel itself.

Third-party links

When you click a "Visit" link to an operator, you leave HighlandStakes and land on the operator's domain. Any cookies placed from that point onwards are governed by the operator's own cookie policy, not this one.

Changes to this policy

We review this cookie policy at least annually. Material changes will be reflected in the "Last reviewed" date above.

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