Historic Strike Shuts Down British Horse Racing

On September 10, 2025, the British horse racing industry made headlines – not for a record-breaking run, but for a historic nationwide strike. British Racing’s ‘Axe the Racing Tax’ campaign was a bold response to the UK Government’s proposed increase in Remote Gambling Duty, raising the rate on online racing bets from 15% to 21%.

While the strike lasted just one day, the long-term consequences of this policy, if implemented, could be profound and irreversible for the sport. Here’s a breakdown of what the future could look like if racing’s concerns aren’t addressed.

Financial Contraction Across the Industry

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) estimates that the proposed tax could strip over £66 million annually from the sport. This financial blow would be felt across all levels of racing – from top-tier trainers to local racecourse staff.

Long-term impact:

• Chronic underfunding for training, breeding, and racecourse upkeep
• Falling prize money, reducing competitiveness and prestige
• Ongoing financial pressure on smaller stables and independent racecourses
• Decreased reinvestment in infrastructure, technology, and talent development

Decline in Global Competitiveness

British horse racing has long been a pillar of global prestige – think Royal Ascot, Cheltenham, and he Derby. But with shrinking prize money and rising operational costs, the UK may become a less attractive destination for international owners, horses, and jockeys.

Long-term impact:

• Talent migration to better-funded jurisdictions (Ireland, France, UAE, Australia)
• Reduced international participation in flagship events
• Weaker racing calendar, leading to less media coverage and fewer global sponsorships

Job Losses and Rural Decay

Racing isn’t just a sport – it’s an economic engine for many rural communities, supporting over 20,000 jobs in training yards, transport, agriculture, catering, and more. If tax changes lead to contraction in racing activity, entire communities could be affected.

Long-term impact:

• Loss of thousands of jobs in rural areas
• Closures of smaller racecourses and training centres
• Decline in support industries (vets, feed suppliers, transport services)
• Economic stagnation in towns reliant on racing income

Looking Ahead: Can it be Reversed?

The outcome of this hinges on the Autumn Budget, due 26 November 2025, where the government is expected to announce its decision on the proposed tax changes. If the tax goes ahead as planned, British horse racing could face a generational downturn – one marked by fewer races, lower quality, and a loss of international prestige.

But if racing’s message is heard and a tailored, sport-specific solution is found, the industry has a chance to rebuild and modernise for the future.

What happened on September 10 wasn’t just a protest, it was a warning flare. A one-day strike may be over, but the long-term impact of these tax changes could linger for decades.

Without intervention, British horse racing may slowly shift from a world leader to a struggling legacy sport still rich in history, but short on support.

Support British Horse Racing by Attending an Event!

With Corinthian Sports you could find yourself at some of the most iconic British horse racing events such as:

• • Royal Ascot
  • Cheltenham Festival 
  • The Epsom Derby 
  • The Grand National 
  • York Ebor Festival
  • Qatar Goodwood Festival 
  • Boodles May Festival

When choosing Corinthian Sports hospitality, you’re not just enjoying a premium race-day experience – you’re actively contributing to the sustainability of the sport. From backing the next generation of jockeys to preserving iconic events like Cheltenham and Royal Ascot, your presence makes a difference.