"Grave repercussions for horse racing, according to Goodwood's leader, if tax standardization for betting is implemented"
In a historic move, British racing has decided to cancel all meetings for one day next month in protest against a proposed gambling tax rise. This voluntary blackout, the first in the sport's modern history, is dovetailing with an 'Axe the Racing Tax' event in Westminster, hosted by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), on September 10.
The event will see Brant Dunshea, the BHA Chief Executive, present the sport's concerns directly to politicians. He will be joined by senior racing leaders, owners, trainers, jockeys, and likely members of Parliament for the protest against the proposed tax rise.
Notable figures such as John Gosden, a trainer, have warned that a betting tax rise could 'kill communities'. Adam Waterworth, the Goodwood chief executive, has echoed these concerns, stating that the potential threat to racing from the harmonisation of online betting tax rates could be "bad or catastrophic". He has also expressed support for the one-day strike.
The concerns centre around the potential hike in the 15% duty on betting on racing and other sports, which could rise to 21% due to the government's consultation on harmonising remote betting duties. Adam Waterworth has warned that such a hike could lead to the expansion of the black market.
The one-day strike is expected to cost British racing £200,000 in lost revenues. However, the organisers believe that the attention brought to the issue and the rallying of support against the proposed tax rise will outweigh these costs.
Politicians have expressed support for the sport's unprecedented action. Economic modelling commissioned by the BHA suggests that if the hike occurs, British racing could lose £66 million.
The public is encouraged to join the cause by writing to their local MP about the racing tax issue. Racing TV has provided a template letter to facilitate this process, which should not take more than a couple of minutes to complete.
Goodwood is expected to be represented at the Westminster event, despite it clashing with the course's Revival motor festival. Trainers are also supporting the strike, believing that the more attention brought to the issue, the better.
The one-day strike on September 10 is an attempt to bring attention to the issue and rally support against the proposed tax rise. The BHA and the racing community hope that this bold move will lead to a positive outcome for the sport and its future.
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