UK racing goes on strike to protest against tax hike

British horse racing is to stage a one-day strike to protest against government plans to raise taxes on online and remote gambling.

- Mike Moon

Four scheduled fixtures, at Carlisle, Lingfield, Uttoxeter and Kempton, on 10 September have been cancelled after agreements between the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the owners of the four venues.

Racing people will use the "empty" day to stage public events to highlight their argument that the planned taxes will badly damage the industry.

They fear new regulations will bring racing into line with the 21% tax rate levied on games of chance such as slots and casino games. Economic modelling shows a 21% tax rate could see a £66 million (about R1.5 trillion) annual loss in income for racing.