British horseracing is set to stage an unprecedented one-day strike on 10 September to protest the UK government’s proposed overhaul of gambling taxes, which could raise the duty on horserace betting from 15% to 21%. The strike will affect fixtures at Carlisle, Kempton Park, Lingfield Park, and Uttoxeter, marking the first time in modern history that racing has been cancelled as a form of protest. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and course owners argue that the tax increase threatens the sport’s financial viability, risking thousands of jobs and the broader £4 billion industry. Instead of racing, stakeholders plan to hold an event in Westminster to highlight the potential damage of the Treasury’s proposals.

The tax changes aim to replace the current three-tier online gambling tax system with a single rate, aligning horseracing betting with other games of chance. The BHA fears this will reduce sponsorships, promotions, and betting incentives, making the sport less attractive to fans and punters. The strike coincides with the eve of the prestigious St Leger Festival, underscoring the gravity of the protest. Historically, betting taxes have evolved from a 9% levy on winnings in the 1960s to the current 15% tax on bookmaker profits, with the latest proposals representing a significant and contentious shift in the sport’s taxation landscape.