Why is British horse racing going on strike?

LONDON : No horse racing will take place in Britain on September 10 as jockeys, trainers and racecourses stage their first strike, protesting a government review that could raise taxes on remote bets. The stoppage marks the first time the sport has voluntarily halted racing in its history.

WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSING?

Britain's Treasury is consulting on proposals to harmonise three separate remote betting duties, a move that the racing industry has said could lift the tax on horse racing wagers from 15 per cent to 21 per cent — in line with online casinos.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves needs to raise tens of billions of pounds in extra tax revenue in her second annual budget on November 26 but Labour pledged not to raise the main rates of the government's biggest sources of revenue - income tax, national insurance contributions and value-added tax - meaning she is expected to look elsewhere.

Betting operators are concerned any harmonisation will raise tax rates to align with higher ones, damaging sports like racing which currently enjoys a lower rate. 

Britain's government said it had "no plans" to change a current tax exemption for bets placed at racecourses and that its wider review was aimed at "levelling the playing field and simplifying the system".

"We know horseracing is part of the cultural fabric of the country, that's why it's the only sector that benefits from a government-mandated levy," Exchequer Secretary Dan Tomlinson said.

"We are working closely with the industry to understand any potential impacts."

WHY IS BETTING SO IMPORTANT TO RACING?

Horse racing in Britain receives much of its funding from a levy paid by bookmakers on their profits. In 2025 this is expected to amount to 108 million pounds ($146.59