Racing shut down in protest over tax 'axe' for 2,800 jobs

MINISTERS came under fresh pressure to abandon betting tax changes as horse racing shut down for the day.

- By Martyn Brown Political Editor

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy, Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand were among riders opposing the reforms as meetings at Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield and Kempton Park were axed in an unprecedented "strike".

The shutdown aimed to highlight the potential impact on the sector's finances of a rise from the current 15% duty on racing to the 21% which is levied on games of chance.

Economic analysis commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority governing body has suggested that the tax increase may cost racing at least £66million and put 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year.

BHA chairman Lord Charles Allen has claimed the proposed changes are "nothing short of an existential threat for our sport".