On September 10, 2025, the U.K. horse racing industry staged its first-ever strike, with jockeys, trainers, and owners protesting a proposed tax increase that would raise betting duties on horse racing from 15% to 21%, aligning it with online casino tax rates. The campaign, dubbed ‘Axe The Racing Tax,’ saw prominent figures gather at Westminster and lobby politicians to oppose the hike, warning it poses an existential threat to the sport. Industry leaders argue that horse racing’s high operational costs and socio-economic benefits, including 85,000 rural jobs, distinguish it from online gambling, and that the tax rise could lead to significant revenue losses, job cuts, and a surge in unregulated betting.

The strike and accompanying media actions, such as the Racing Post’s blank front page, have drawn widespread attention to the issue, but the government’s final decision will be revealed in the Autumn Budget at the end of November. Meanwhile, campaigners continue to pressure politicians to reconsider, emphasizing that the tax increase could cripple the sport and harm the broader community it supports.