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No Racing On Wednesday Due To Strike

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No Racing On Wednesday (sept 10 2025) Due To First Ever Strike By The Racing Industry

For the first time in modern history ~ British horse racing will come to a complete halt on Wednesday ~ 10 September 2025. This is not due to weather or logistics ~ but an industry wide strike in protest against government tax reforms.

Why the Strike?

The UK Treasury plans to consolidate betting and gaming duties ~ which could raise the tax on horse racing bets from 15% up to 21–25%. The industry warns this could cost £330 million over five years ~ threaten jobs ~ and reduce support for smaller racecourses and training yards.

Who is Affected?

Jockeys ~ trainers ~ racecourse management ~ and governing authorities have united under the "Axe the Racing Tax" campaign. Many will gather in Westminster to lobby MPs directly.

Government Response

Officials argue the reform will generate up to £3 billion in additional revenue while keeping existing racecourse betting exemptions. Racing leaders believe the long term damage will outweigh any fiscal benefit.

At a Glance

Date / Topic What’s Happening Reason
10 September 2025 (Tomorrow) No horse racing in England Industry wide strike over proposed tax hikes
Purpose of Strike Protest government policy Safeguard economic future of the sport
Key Issues Betting duty harmonisation (15% → 21 to 25%) Threat to funding ~ jobs ~ small racecourses

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2 Comentario 💬


FOR the Proposal ▸

The government’s plan to raise betting duty on horse racing from 15% to potentially 21–25% should be seen as a fair adjustment. The gambling sector has evolved, and it is reasonable that horse racing should contribute in line with other betting activities such as casino and slots. This move could generate up to £3 billion in additional revenue, which can be directed toward public services, healthcare, and education.

Horse racing already benefits from exemptions for on-course betting, and the industry still attracts significant sponsorship and television revenues. A small increase in duty does not necessarily mean the sport will collapse, but it does mean the wider public gains more from an industry that is heavily linked to gambling profits. From a national perspective, this is about equity and ensuring everyone pays their fair share into society’s priorities.

Blogger Sandracer @ 9:19 pm, September 09, 2025  

AGAINST the Proposal ▸

Raising the betting duty on horse racing from 15% to 21–25% threatens the very future of the sport. Unlike casino or slots, horse racing depends on a delicate ecosystem of owners, trainers, jockeys, and small racecourses. An extra £330 million taken out over five years will not come from bookmakers’ profits alone—it will filter down and reduce prize money, leading to fewer horses in training and closures of smaller tracks.

This is not just about gambling; it is about protecting rural jobs, equine care, and a sporting tradition that contributes billions to the economy and employs thousands. Punishing horse racing with higher duties risks undermining an entire industry that is already struggling to compete with other forms of entertainment. The government may gain revenue short-term, but the long-term damage to livelihoods and heritage could be irreversible.

Blogger Sandracer @ 9:20 pm, September 09, 2025  

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