British Racing Industry Stages Nationwide Strike Over Racing Tax Hike

Britain’s horse racing industry ground to a halt on Wednesday, September 10, as Carlisle, Kempton, Uttoxeter, and Lingfield races were canceled as part of a protest against betting tax reforms. Owners, trainers, and jockeys gathered in Westminster to warn that merging online betting duties into one bucket will jeopardize the sector, which currently generates £4.1 billion and employs 85,000. The proposed hike will increase duties from 15% to 21%.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) argues the change ignores racing’s unique ecosystem, where bookmakers already contribute 10% of racing-related profits through a statutory levy. The authority projects a £330 million revenue loss within five years, risking 2,572 jobs as operators offset taxes through cost-cutting measures. It warns “ [the tax hike] would cost the sport £66m, or worst-case scenario £160m, and put around 2,700 jobs at risk in year one.”

Strike Targets Policy Makers

The BHA arranged the shutdown as a disruption near Parliament, with acting CEO Brant Dunshea telling LBC the action aims to “create a space” for industry leaders to amplify opposition to tax harmonization. Over 100 stakeholders were at Westminster arguing that racing’s cultural and economic contributions, including its 85,000-person workforce, warrant special treatment from casino-style betting.

The protest coincides with pre-budget lobbying, which is branded under the #AxeTheRaxingTax campaign by BHA. Organizers defend the financial hit as a “proportionate price” to show sector-wide dissatisfaction. The shutdown is being framed as an urgent warning against classifying racing alongside higher-risk gambling activities.

Rural Roots at Risk

British racing leaders highlight the industry’s deep integration with rural communities, where tracks are economic engines and social pillars. They caution that tax-driven cuts divert bettors to unregulated markets, undermining a sector with a 30% nationwide fanbase. The BHA warns that reduced investment will likely stall growth, affecting a pipeline reliant on grassroots engagement to pluck talent.

Total Shutdown Amplifies Concerns

British racing’s operational blackout silenced televised coverage, scrapped racecards, and emptied stables nationwide as participants rallied at Westminster’s Queen Elizabeth II Center. Unlike historic cancelations triggered by crises like COVID-19, this marks the sport’s first coordinated work stoppage targeting policy reform.

Fans turned to Ireland’s Cork evening meet and daytime fixtures in Hong Kong and France, while UK organizers pledged to reschedule four canceled events. The protest’s legacy now depends on whether ministers heed warnings or double down on the policy.