AND THEY'RE OFF

Government betting tax rise plan sparks strike action at British racing

- BY ANDY LINES

BRITISH racing is to strike next month for the first time ever in protest at a planned rise in betting tax.

Four race meets due on September 10 at Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Kempton and Lingfield Park have been called off.

The industrial action is expected to cost the industry about £700,000.

Brant Dunshea, chief executive at the British Horseracing Authority, said: “The Treasury's tax proposals threaten the very future of our sport.”

The day chosen is just before the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, which PM Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria attended last year.