“We’re in trouble” – Horse racing strikes making history as industry rallies over tax hike

There will be no racing on Wednesday in Britain as the entire industry goes on strike for the first time in modern history.

Jockeys, trainers and owners are all set to attend an event at Westminster where they will lobby MPs ahead of the proposed tax on the sport.

Lingfield, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton meetings initially set for Wednesday 10th September have all had to be rescheduled.

Marking an incredibly rare date in the calendar where there’s no racing on offer.

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While British racing faces criticism for lack of prize money, difficulties for punters dealing with affordability checks, declining attendances, brick and mortar betting shops on the high street it could be further hit with the proposed tax on racing.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has blamed affordability checks on betting revenue falling over the last year already.

The tax that could come into force in October will harmonise tax on all gambling including sports.

Horse racing and sports betting are taxed at 15% while casinos and slots are taxed at 21%.

The 6% rise will see a drop in income for racing of £66 million which could be as high as £160m if rates went to 40%.

This not only impacts the sports itself but could put 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year of the tax increase.

The harmonisation plan from the government aims to raise £2 billion in revenue from the industry.

Tom Marquand spoke to Ian ‘Moose’ Abrahams for talkSPORT on the strike, the jockey explained: “It’s a worrying time in reality for British racing and it’s something that needs sorting and if that kind of action [a strike] is needed for the cause to be taken seriously, then so be it.

“Obviously jockeys are on board with it in that regard. We need something to be done and people to sit up and take notice.”

“I think a strike is a bad thing; you would like to think that with correct consultation and discussions that you should never have to get to a strike.”

The jockey later explained: “We pump a lot of money into the government and it’s revenue for them.

“I’m not saying that it means we’re owed something, but it does mean that we’re owed a seat at the table at least for discussions about our sport.

“If we know that’s going to ruin our sport, that then ruins that line of revenue for the government, we have to sit up and stand up and speak.

“Everybody’s super conscious if that [the tax increase] does happen, we’re in trouble.”

Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive Officer of the BHA, spoke to talkSPORT’s Rupert Bell on the importance of the strikes: “Unlike any other sport we bring together all facets of society. Here [Ascot] we’re so fortunate to have support of the Royal Family.

“But you can equally go to a racecourse where you bring together the locals out of the local pubs and everyone comes together and enjoys it.

“It’s so important for us to recognise that difference, that were are part of the rural communities that we are part of the social fabric of this country and governments need to recognise that to protect it and preserve it because we are a very special British institution.

The industry will see a lot of activity in the coming few months from the campaign.”

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