Racing events in France's equine industry halt, as scheduled meetings are called off due to a strike by equine workers.
In a significant development for the horse racing industry, a proposed tax increase on betting has led to unprecedented strikes and protests, primarily in Britain. The proposed changes aim to raise the betting tax from 15% to 21% on horse racing, a move that is seen as a threat to the industry [1][2][4].
On September 10, 2025, British racing participants staged the first-ever strike in modern history, cancelling several race meetings [1][4]. This action was prompted by the government's intention to align the betting tax on horse racing with casino gambling tax rates, a move that the industry considers catastrophic and an existential threat to the sport [1][2].
While the exact tax status in France is not detailed in the available sources, the unrest is mostly localized to Britain, with no racing strike scheduled in Ireland, and no mention of a French strike directly [1]. However, a demonstration against the tax is planned for November 7 in Paris at Place Denfert-Rocherau [3].
The horse racing meetings scheduled for November 7 in France have been cancelled due to industry strikes [3]. Every member of the horse racing industry is invited to join the protest on November 7 at Place Denfert-Rocherau alongside professional associations in the defence of horse racing [3].
The France Galop and Societé du Trotteur Francais have emphasized the importance of a strong mobilization on November 7 to make it clear to all politicians that they won't give up, as their jobs are at stake [3]. They have also called for maintaining pressure on the government and elected representatives regarding the tax issue [3].
The immediate protest movement in France was sparked by an increase in online racing betting tax from 7.9% to 15%, and a 0.6% increase on physical betting shops, added in a late amendment [1]. Laurent Saint-Martin, France's Budget Minister, has disagreed with the decision to levy the taxes on horse racing [1].
It is likely that the issue of increasing taxation on horse-racing betting will be brought up again in the Senate or at any other point in the budget adoption process [1]. A general boycott is called, and punters, trainers, bookmakers, and other individuals involved in gambling are asked to attend the protest [3].
Sources:
[1] BBC News. (2025). France horse racing: Industry protests against tax rise. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/58947930
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Horse racing industry 'faces existential threat' from tax rises, say unions. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/09/horse-racing-industry-faces-existential-threat-from-tax-rises-say-unions
[3] France 24. (2025). French horse racing industry to protest against tax hikes. [online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/sport/2025-10-26-french-horse-racing-industry-to-protest-against-tax-hikes
[4] The Telegraph. (2025). British racing to stage first ever strike over tax threat. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2025/09/08/british-racing-stage-first-ever-strike-over-tax-threat/
- In light of the French horse racing industry's opposition to the tax increase, a demonstration has been planned in Paris on November 7 at Place Denfert-Rocherau, mirroring the protests in Britain over similar concerns about increased horse-racing betting tax.
- Despite the ongoing protests and strikes primarily in Britain, the French horse racing industry is planning to join the movement and stage their own strike on November 7, aiming to make their disapproval of the proposed tax hike clear to all politicians.
