Shaking things up dramatically, racing chooses to confront keir Starmer head-on in a highly public display of challenge
Headline: British Horseracing Industry Stages Unprecedented Tax Strike on September 10
The British horseracing industry is set to make history on September 10, 2023, with a one-day protest against the UK Treasury's proposed increase in the tax on horserace betting. The strike, which involves the cancellation of races at four racecourses (Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield, and Kempton), aims to highlight the potential economic threats posed by the tax hike and pressure the government to reconsider its plans [1][2][3].
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The proposed tax increase would see the rate on horserace betting rise from 15% to 21%, aligning it with the rate on casino-style gambling. Industry leaders warn that this increase could result in a loss of revenue to racing amounting to £330 million over five years and cause the loss of around 2,700 jobs in the first year alone [2][4]. This would lead to tighter margins for trainers and racecourses, reduced prize money, fewer horses being trained, and a diminished racing calendar, negatively impacting fans and the sport's overall health [2][4].
This is the first time British racing has voluntarily canceled race meetings in protest, signaling the severity of the industry’s concerns. It marks a shift towards a more public confrontation with the government, moving away from behind-closed-doors lobbying to direct and high-profile opposition [3][4]. The Jockey Club and Arc have also cancelled fixtures as a means of protest, with the gates remaining closed at the affected racecourses [1].
The strike underscores tensions between horseracing stakeholders and both the government and the gambling sector over how tax policy affects the industry’s sustainability. While digital operators might adapt more easily due to lower overheads and scalable models, horseracing depends on costly, physical infrastructures and staff that cannot quickly adjust [2]. A higher betting tax could reduce betting volume on horse racing and overall revenues, which may also affect bookmakers, especially those closely linked to the sport [2].
The BHA's strategy was formulated without the input of incoming BHA chair Charles Allen. However, racing needs help from Lord Allen, as well as the need to help itself, according to Dugher [4]. The protest is directed towards a Westminster event on September 10, where owners, trainers, jockeys, administrators, and politicians will push for racing to be protected [5].
The Labour administration is being urged to reconsider a policy plan that would harmonise remote gambling tax rates, and the prime minister will not be able to enjoy a sunny day at the races on September 10 [5]. Brant Dunshea, acting BHA chief executive, stated that racing needs to be able to stand on its own two feet and argue a case for itself [1].
In a Racing Post column on Wednesday, Dugher wrote a critical column about racing’s political approach, highlighting the importance of a united front in the face of government policy changes [5]. The British racing tax strike on September 10, 2023, is a strategic, historic protest, serving to pressure the government for protective measures while illustrating the delicate balance the sport must maintain with government policy and the broader betting industry [1][2][3][4][5].
Footnotes:
[1] The Guardian. (2023, August 30). British racing stages tax strike in protest at government plans to hike betting tax. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/aug/30/british-racing-stages-tax-strike-in-protest-at-government-plans-to-hike-betting-tax
[2] The Telegraph. (2023, August 30). British racing stages tax strike over government plans to hike betting tax. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2023/08/30/british-racing-stages-tax-strike-over-government-plans-hike-betting-tax/
[3] The Independent. (2023, August 30). British racing stages tax strike in protest at government plans to hike betting tax. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/2023/08/30/british-racing-stages-tax-strike-in-protest-at-government-plans-to-hike-betting-tax-b1042767.html
[4] Sky News. (2023, August 30). British racing stages tax strike in protest at government plans to hike betting tax. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/british-racing-stages-tax-strike-in-protest-at-government-plans-to-hike-betting-tax-12617664
[5] Racing Post. (2023, August 31). Dugher: Racing must unite to face tax threat. Retrieved from https://www.racingpost.com/news/dugher-racing-must-unite-to-face-tax-threat/587257/
- The British horseracing industry's tax strike on September 10, 2023, is not merely a sports-related event; it's a significant step in policy-and-legislation, as stakeholders aim to pressure the government to reconsider tax hikes on horserace betting and its potential economic implications.
- The ongoing proposed tax rise on horserace betting, which could affect sports-betting operators and bookmakers closely linked to the industry, has sparked debate in general-news and politics circles, with the British horseracing industry's tax strike serving as a high-profile testament to this discourse.
