- British racing will stage an unprecedented one-day strike on 10 September to protest a proposed rise in taxes on horserace betting.
- The strike will lead to the cancellation of four scheduled fixtures at Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield, and Kempton, marking the first time the sport has voluntarily refused to race in modern history.
- The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) launched the "Axe the Racing Tax" campaign in response to government proposals to replace the existing three-tax structure with a single tax, fearing an increase from 15 per cent to 21 per cent on racing duties.
- Industry leaders, including the chief executives of the BHA, Jockey Club, and Arena Racing Company, warned that the tax increase could be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs it supports across the UK.
- A Treasury spokesperson stated they are consulting on aligning the treatment of online betting with other forms of online gambling to reduce bureaucracy, not to increase or decrease rates, and are welcoming views from all stakeholders.
IN FULL
