British Horseracing Authority Cancels September 10 Meetings to Protest Proposed Tax Increase

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has intensified its opposition to the UK government’s proposed increase in betting taxes by canceling all horseracing events scheduled for September 10. The organization has confirmed that all affected races will be rescheduled to alternative dates.

Firm Stand Against the Proposed Tax Increase

The BHA has reaffirmed its commitment to the “Axe the Racing Tax” campaign, which challenges the Treasury’s plan to raise online betting duty from 15% to 21% as part of the Autumn Budget. The authority has previously warned that such a tax hike could severely harm the horseracing industry, potentially leading to widespread job losses.

Taking unprecedented action, the BHA has announced a voluntary shutdown of all racing activities on September 10. This is the first time in the history of modern British horseracing that the organization has opted not to hold any scheduled races voluntarily.

September 10 is notably the day before the renowned four-day St Leger festival at Doncaster Racecourse. Due to the cancellation, meetings at Lingfield Park, Carlisle, Uttoxeter, and Kempton Park will be postponed. Coinciding with this racing blackout, senior figures from across the industry, including horse owners, trainers, and jockeys, will convene in Westminster for a major protest event against the proposed tax increase.

The Economic Importance of Horseracing

The BHA highlighted horseracing as the UK’s second most popular spectator sport, supporting approximately 85,000 jobs and attracting around five million attendees annually. The industry contributes an estimated £4.1 billion to the national economy each year.

If the tax rise proceeds as proposed, the BHA estimates an alarming loss of £330 million in revenue within five years. The first year alone could see as many as 2,752 jobs lost. The financial strain on the industry may also lead to higher prices for consumers, reductions in bonuses, fewer advertisements, and cuts in marketing budgets as operators respond to the increased tax burden.

Industry Leaders Urge Government to Reconsider

The decision to cancel a race day has drawn comments from multiple industry leaders, underscoring the collective opposition to the tax increase.

Brant Dunshea, CEO of the BHA, emphasized the precarious financial state of British horseracing and warned of the devastating impact a tax rise could cause to jobs and communities tied to the sport nationwide. He urged the government to “axe the racing tax and support British Racing.”

Jim Mullen, CEO of The Jockey Club, expressed hope that the unprecedented protest would lead to government reflection and an understanding of the serious consequences the tax increase could bring to a sport cherished by the nation.

Martin Cruddace, CEO of Arena Racing Company, pointed out that unlike other forms of online gambling, British horseracing already makes significant contributions to the economy. He questioned the rationale behind harmonizing taxes across these sectors, suggesting that the tax proposal could undermine a sport deeply embedded in British culture.

Paul Johnson, CEO of the National Trainers Federation, warned that the tax hike would negatively affect not only the horseracing industry but also its employees and fans, potentially harming the broader British economy. He called on the government to establish a fair tax structure that enables the sport to flourish before it reaches a point of irreversible decline.