'Thousands of jobs on the line in tax threat to racing'

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has come under fresh pressure to abandon her plans to increase gambling taxes, amid fears it will decimate the horseracing industry and rural communities.

- By Martyn Brown Political Editor

Leading National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson said people are "frightened" and "scared" about the impact, amid warnings that thousands of jobs could be at risk.

He is just one of a number of trainers to have signed a letter urging her not to press ahead with plans to replace the three separate taxes for remote gambling with a single duty.

This means betting on horse racing could be subject to the same taxes as online casinos.

Mr Henderson, 74, told the Express: "I think there's no doubt, there is a big concern about the effect it could have."