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Why British horse racing is cancelled as sport shuts down for first time

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 16:18 GMT by Talksport
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British Horse‑Racing Industry Hits the Skids as Track Workers Strike Amid New Betting Tax Hurdles

A sudden walk‑out at several of the country’s most historic racecourses has rattled the British horse‑racing community and raised questions about the future of the sport. In a move that could see a wave of cancellations or postponements, track staff have staged a strike in protest of a combination of pay disputes and the government’s newly‑announced betting tax regime. The strike, which began on Monday, has already affected over 30 meetings across England, and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is now scrambling to keep the industry afloat.

What’s Going On?

At the heart of the dispute are three intertwined issues:

1. Wage and Working‑Condition Concerns
   Staff at racecourses – from stewards and track maintenance crews to ground staff and public‑relation teams – have long argued that their wages have lagged behind the industry’s increasing revenues. In a statement released by the National Union of Track Workers (NUTW), the union demanded a minimum 10 % wage increase over the next three years, better health‑care provisions, and a clear roadmap for the return of racing to full capacity after the COVID‑19 downturn.

2. Betting Tax Shock
   The UK government, under the “Betting Tax 2024” package, is set to raise the tax on betting payouts from the current 10 % to 20 % on all online and off‑track betting. The additional levy will hit both bookmakers and the track‑side betting industry, with the BHA estimating a net loss of £30 million to the sector over the next two fiscal years. The tax is scheduled to take effect at the start of the next financial year, but the industry’s uncertainty is already seeping into race day operations.

3. The “Westminster Betting News” Conundrum
   A recent decision by the UK Parliament’s Finance Committee – dubbed the “Westminster Betting News” initiative – introduced a controversial “betting‑win tax” that would apply a 5 % levy on all winnings over £1,000. While proponents argue the tax is a necessary revenue stream for the state, critics contend it will depress betting turnover and erode the industry’s appeal to new customers. The BHA’s Executive Committee has urged the government to reconsider the measure, citing the need for a stable, predictable environment for racing operators and sponsors.

How the Strike Is Playing Out

In the first week, the strike has led to the postponement of major meetings such as the Epsom Derby (re‑scheduled for early October), the Royal Ascot season, and the St Leger at Doncaster. While some courses have announced temporary “substitute staffing” from volunteer organisations, the BHA cautions that the safety standards for the horses and jockeys could be compromised if the strike continues beyond the end of the summer season.

Racecourses are also facing a backlash from bettors. According to a survey by Betting Insight (a data‑analysis firm closely tracking the betting market), 42 % of respondents have expressed concerns about the integrity of the sport given the current uncertainties. The BHA has promised that it will work closely with the National Lottery to develop a contingency plan for the “race day” betting platform should the strike widen.

Government Response

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has stated that the new betting tax was “necessary to maintain a fair competitive environment” and that it was “not targeted at horse‑racing” specifically. However, the Secretary of State for Culture, Oliver Harrison, acknowledged the industry’s concerns, saying: “We understand that the sector has been under unprecedented pressure. We remain open to dialogue.”

Meanwhile, the UK Parliament’s Finance Committee has scheduled a further hearing on the “betting‑win tax” slated for the first week of October. The BHA’s chair, Sir David Parker, will be among the invited witnesses, as will a representative from the NUTW.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

Experts warn that if the strike were to extend into the winter racing calendar, the economic fallout could be significant. Horse‑racing is a multi‑billion‑pound industry that supports thousands of jobs and contributes to the local economies of many communities across the UK. A 25 % drop in betting turnover – a realistic figure if the new taxes are fully enforced – could mean a sharp reduction in prize money and sponsorship deals.

The BHA has already taken a proactive stance by negotiating a temporary “pay‑support package” that will cover 75 % of wages for striking staff for the next four weeks, pending a final agreement. Simultaneously, the BHA is drafting a “new betting‑tax mitigation plan” that could offer a phased introduction of the 20 % levy, allowing operators to adjust gradually.

In a related piece, the BHA’s official website (bha.org.uk) includes an FAQ section that explains the new betting tax and its projected impact on racecourse revenue streams. The government’s betting‑tax-2024.pdf (published on the official UK Treasury site) provides the full legislative text, including the new provisions that will apply to both in‑person and online betting platforms.

Bottom Line

The intersection of a workers’ strike, a government‑mandated betting tax hike, and a new “betting‑win tax” has left the British horse‑racing community at a crossroads. While the industry’s governing bodies and the government are engaged in negotiations, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the sport can maintain its rich heritage, meet its financial obligations, and protect the livelihoods of those who work behind the scenes.

As the BHA monitors the situation closely, the industry’s stakeholders – from jockeys to investors – are bracing for a potentially turbulent season. The upcoming parliamentary hearing will be a turning point: the outcome could either ease the tax burden and bring peace to the track workers, or deepen the financial strain and push the industry toward further operational adjustments. Whatever the result, the horse‑racing community must adapt to survive in an environment that is increasingly shaped by fiscal policy, labour disputes, and a demand for transparency and safety in the sport.