The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has cancelled all race meetings in the UK on 10 September in protest at the government’s proposed tax rise on horse racing betting.
Four scheduled race meetings on that day at Lingfield Park, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton Park will no longer take place and will be rescheduled.
This is the first time that the sport has voluntarily refused to race and marks a step up in the BHA’s Axe the Racing Tax campaign, which was launched last month.
Alongside the cancelled race meetings, there will be a major campaign event outside Westminster, where owners, trainers and jockeys will join senior leaders to highlight the threat posed by the Treasury’s proposal.
The government is proposing to tax betting on horse racing at the same rate as online gambling, rising from 15 per cent to 21 per cent.
Research conducted by the BHA found that this level of tax rise would cost the industry £66 million a year and put 2,752 people at risk of losing their jobs in the first year.
“We have decided to take the unprecedented decision to cancel our planned racing fixtures on 10 September to highlight to the government the serious consequences of the Treasury’s tax proposals which threaten the very future of our sport,” said BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea.
“British Racing is already in a precarious financial position, and research has shown that a tax rise on racing could be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs that rely on it in towns and communities across the country.
“This is the first time that British Racing has chosen not to race due to government proposals. We haven’t taken this decision lightly, but in doing so, we are urging the Government to rethink this tax proposal to protect the future of our sport, which is a cherished part of Britain’s heritage and culture.
“Our message to government is clear: axe the racing tax and back British racing.”
Jim Mullen, CEO at The Jockey Club, commented: “Our sport has come together today, and by cancelling racing fixtures, we hope the Government will take a moment to reflect on the harm this tax will cause to a sport in which our country leads in so many ways.
“We hope this pause for reflection will enable the government to truly understand the economic impact of horse racing and its cultural significance to communities across the UK, as well as the world-class racing festivals we host.
“After this period of reflection, we hope the full implications will be understood, and we can prevent the irreparable damage that threatens a sport the nation is, and should be, proud of.”