By Global Sports Desk
Copyright indiatimes
For the first time in modern history, no horse racing will take place in Britain today, Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The shutdown comes after jockeys, trainers, and owners joined together with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to protest government tax changes. The strike was announced after plans were made to raise the remote betting tax rate from 15 percent to 21 percent. Racing bosses warn that the new rule could cost thousands of jobs and cut more than £60 million from the sport’s income in just one year.Brant Dunshea and the BHA lead campaign against betting tax riseThe British Horseracing Authority, backed by its chief executive Brant Dunshea, has named the campaign “Axe the Racing Tax.” The strike has closed every racecourse in Britain today and is expected to cost the industry around £200,000 in lost revenue for a single day.Speaking to TalkSport, Brant Dunshea explained that horse racing is different from any other sport in the country. He said racing brings together “all parts of society,” from Royal Family members to locals in pubs. He stressed that horse racing is part of rural life and a tradition worth protecting.Dunshea added that the action was not meant to be a loud street protest but a direct way for the industry to speak to members of parliament at Westminster. Trainers, owners, and jockeys are meeting lawmakers today to demand that the proposed tax changes be reconsidered.Also Read: Dana White Confirms Canelo Alvarez Vs Terence Crawford Set To Become One Of The Biggest Fights In Boxing HistoryJames Murray explains government view on gambling tax changesThe U.K. government, represented by exchequer secretary James Murray, says the rise in betting duty is meant to “keep pace with the growth of online gambling.” The new system will combine three separate taxes Remote Gaming Duty, General Betting Duty, and Pool Betting Duty into one Remote Betting and Gaming Duty at a flat 21 percent.Murray told reporters that remote gambling in Britain has grown sharply, bringing in £6.9 billion a year. According to research by the Institute for Public Policy Research, the tax increase could raise £3 billion in revenue. Catch Lovlina Borgohain’s inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here
