British horseracing welcomes the decision by the UK Government today (November 26) to spare the industry from any punishing increase in direct gambling taxation.

In her Budget, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that racing鈥檚 remote betting tax rate would remain at 15% in recognition of its vital importance as a cultural and sporting asset enjoyed by millions of people across the country every year.

A rise in taxation on online horserace betting would have had catastrophic implications for an industry that is an integral part of British society and culture, supporting 85,000 livelihoods and with an economic impact of 拢4bn.

It is welcome that the Chancellor has today rightly recognised the vital importance of racing as a cultural, social and economic asset and acted to help secure the sport鈥檚 long-term future.

The Chancellor鈥檚 positive decision recognises the potential damage to our sport, and the jobs supported by it, if the Government followed through on its proposal to 鈥渉armonise鈥� remote gambling taxes and place horserace betting at the same rate as online casino betting.

While the BHA led the sport鈥檚 response to the Treasury鈥檚 consultation, it was an all-of-sport effort to come together in a way which demonstrated the strength and solidarity of racing when collaborating with a shared purpose. We are grateful that the Treasury and No10 have listened to racing, speaking as one, and acted to protect the future of racing.

We also note the increases in other gambling duties for the betting industry a result of the Budget, given the Government鈥檚 need to raise more money from general taxation. The relationship between racing and betting remains as important as ever and we will be working with our partners in the betting industry to understand the impact of this on British racing.

The BHA will now analyse the Budget documents in greater detail to establish whether there are any other potential issues that may impact racing.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to champion our sport and ensure that British racing can support its agenda for growth moving forward.

BHA Acting Chief Executive Brant Dunshea said:听

鈥淭oday鈥檚 welcome outcome demonstrates that the Chancellor has listened to our concerns and rightly recognised that racing is a unique national asset 鈥� culturally, socially and economically 鈥� and we welcome this support.

鈥淏etting on racing is an integral part of the enjoyment of our sport, and maintaining the rate of horserace betting duties is an important step by the Government to help preserve revenue streams and protect the 85,000 jobs supported by the racing across the country.

鈥淩acing has been part of the British way of life for hundreds of years.听 It binds our communities together in shared experience, it brings joy to millions. It puts the country on the world stage. It is right that the Government has understood this and acted accordingly.

鈥淎t the same time, we recognise that the increase in general taxation on the betting industry may have trickle-down effects on racing. We will work with our partners in the betting industry to understand the implications of this, and how we can work together to ensure that British horseracing continues to thrive.鈥�

BHA Chair Lord Charles Allen said:听

鈥淚 would like to commend the Chancellor and the Government for listening to the concerns of British racing and offering their clear support for our sport.

鈥淚 would like to thank everyone who has played their part across the sport, standing as one to communicate our message.

鈥淔ollowing the clarity offered today by Government, we look forward to working with ministers and their officials, and the betting industry, to explore how we can continue to grow and promote British racing to a wider audience.

鈥淭he Government has rightly recognised that we are not only a vital part of the fabric of the British way of life, but we are also a global leader and one of the country鈥檚 most important soft power levers. We want to maintain Britain鈥檚 place on the world stage.鈥�

Racecourse Association (RCA) Chief Executive David Armstrong said:

鈥淭he鈥疪CA welcomes the decision taken by the Chancellor in today鈥檚 Budget to exempt remote betting on British horseracing from planned tax rises.

鈥淎ll stakeholders within our sport were united on the damage that would have been caused should a鈥痶ax increase be levied. For racecourses, we are pleased that the vital socio-economic importance of these venues to communities across Great Britain have been acknowledged.

鈥淲hile the horseracing exemption is welcome, our sport still faces significant challenges which will need to be addressed. We are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and other stakeholders to understand the wider implications of other areas of the Budget and the impact these could have on both our sport and racecourses.鈥�

Arena Racing Company (ARC) Chief Executive Martin Cruddace said:听

“We have been clear throughout that harmonisation of tax rates of British racing and other betting and gaming products would gravely impact our industry. As a sport and industry, we continue to offer a real contribution to this country, supporting communities and culture.

鈥淚 am so glad that the Government has recognised that fact and helped put our sport on a path to growth.

鈥淲e would like to acknowledge the strong support that we have received across Parliament, particularly from a number of MPs around our racecourse communities, especially Sally Jameson, the MP for Doncaster and Jack Rankin the MP for Windsor.”

National Trainers Federation (NTF) Chief Executive Paul Johnson said:听

鈥淭he Government鈥檚 decision to leave racing鈥檚 remote betting tax rate unchanged is one that we view with considerable relief. On behalf of British racehorse trainers, I welcome the鈥疶reasury recognising the economic damage that an increase would have inflicted on the industry and responding to avoid such an outcome.

鈥淭hat said, we must accept that more will be needed for the industry to turn around the decline that we are in at present, with the sport continuing to be financially disadvantaged relative to other jurisdictions.鈥� Today鈥檚 budget sees us live to fight another day, but the sport has work to do, alongside Government, if we are to create a more prosperous future.

鈥淚 would like to thank trainers for their considerable input into the sport鈥檚 coordinated lobbying efforts over recent months. It is critical that participant voices continue to be heard in shaping policy at a sport and government level.鈥�

Jockey Club Chief Executive Jim Mullen said:

鈥淲e commend both the Government for recognising the unique cultural and economic contribution our sport makes to communities up and down the country, and the BHA for their leadership in uniting our industry to address this important issue.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 budget will have wide-reaching impacts and our focus will now be on understanding those impacts on our business as we plan for 2026.鈥�

Image credit: Leaderboard Photography

Award winners Tyla Macfarlane (Andrew Balding), Ivo Thomas (Tweenhills), Kelly Stevens (Littleton Stud) and Sally Lyons (Horse Welfare Board) joined representatives from Godolphin and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) at the Palace of Westminster.

Wendy Lyons, Sally Lyons (Community Award winner) and Grahame Morris MP.

Organised in conjunction with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Racing and Bloodstock, the visit included a guided tour of the historic parliamentary estate and a glimpse behind the scenes of the world-famous House of Commons chamber.

Following the tour, the group had the opportunity to meet parliamentarians from the House of Commons and House of Lords to discuss their roles and responsibilities with some of the country鈥檚 most influential decision-makers.

With MPs and Peers in attendance from across the political spectrum 鈥� including Nick Timothy MP, Kit Malthouse MP, Lee Dillon MP, Grahame Morris MP and Lord Risby 鈥� the award winners were able to showcase the role the industry plays in supporting jobs and livelihoods across the country.

BHA Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs Greg Swift said:

鈥淭he British racing and breeding industry is a national success story, supporting jobs throughout the country and driving economic investment within local communities.

鈥淭he visit to Parliament was a valuable opportunity for MPs and Peers to hear directly from those working at the heart of our sport about their passion for racing, our horses and our people. We are very grateful to the politicians for their time and support.

鈥淚t is听vital that policymakers understand about how critical our yards, studs, businesses and organisations are to the economic, social and cultural success of our country 鈥� and our award winners are the perfect spokespeople to help convey this message.鈥�

Diana Cooper (Godolphin) and Nick Timothy MP.

Commenting on the visit, Godolphin鈥檚 Diana Cooper, said:

鈥淲e are delighted that four of this year鈥檚 winners were able to represent the British racing and breeding industry in Westminster and speak so听eloquently to parliamentarians about the care we all have for the wellbeing of our horses, people and local communities.

鈥淕odolphin is very proud to sponsor the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and having this opportunity to highlight the importance with which we respect this cohort to their MPs and Peers helps make the awards relevant all year long, not only the one wonderful evening in February. Thank you to our partners the BHA.”

Nominations for the 2026 sponsored by Godolphin close on Tuesday 4 November 2025.

With 拢128,500 in prize money to be won across six categories, the awards are an opportunity to recognise, reward and celebrate the hard work and dedication of people working in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.

The awards are open to anyone working in the racing yard and breeding operations in England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as those going above and beyond to support their local communities.

Nominations can be made by employers, colleagues or friends at:听

To coincide with his first day in the role, Lord Allen issued the following statement:

“Horseracing is both a sport and an industry, and Britain is a world leader in both. But it is more than the sum of those parts: racing is a key part of culture and national life, down the centuries, woven into the lives of so many communities.

“That is why I am so proud to start today as chair of the British Horseracing Authority, which is helping to protect and enrich the fabric of Britain.

“It is nine months since I was nominated for the role. In that time, I have had over 100 meetings with racing people. As well as industry leaders I met many frontliners for whom the sport is both a matter of professional pride and also a labour of love. I immersed myself in the industry so that I could truly understand the opportunity.

“There was a consistent agreement during my meetings that things needed to change if racing was to prosper, but often those I spoke to held the view that change needs to come from elsewhere in the sport rather than from their own segment of the industry. However, I hold the view that there are opportunities and requirements for change across the whole sport, and I believe that overall there is agreement and appetite for this.

“I am sincerely grateful to the Board of the BHA and its stakeholders that they agreed that change should start at the top and that we should have an independent Board where everyone is focused on putting horseracing first rather than representing a vested interest.

“I am delighted the industry is coming together on September 10 to say 鈥楢xe the Racing Tax鈥�. It is an historic step to cancel all racing on this date, but this will help us to explain just how concerned we are for the sport on many levels.

“Horseracing is a sport for everyone, not just for the few. There are 85,000 people dependent directly and indirectly on racing. The proposed changes would not only negatively impact many communities both rural and urban but would reduce our ability to be a world leader and the opportunity to have inward investment in the sector. Ensuring sustainable finances is essential if we are to support our participants, our workforce, our horses and our racecourses, and continue to engage our fans, owners, customers and the betting public.

“British racing is admired worldwide for its heritage, its quality, and the standards of integrity and welfare it upholds. My vision is not simply that we work to preserve this, but to develop British racing into a modern commercial and cultural powerhouse: a sport that commands attention on the global stage, attracts new audiences, inspires fans at home, supports its people, and continues to set the gold standard for the care of the horse. With the right governance and ambition, I believe this is possible and I look forward to working across the sector to achieve this vision.

“Finally, I want to pay tribute to David Jones, who has provided leadership as interim chair, and to Brant Dunshea, our acting chief executive, and his colleagues whose strong and visible commitment have been vital in leading the organisation through the last year.”

This will be the first time that the sport has voluntarily refused to race in its modern history.

The announcement comes as British Racing鈥檚 鈥楢xe the Racing Tax鈥� campaign gears up in advance of the Autumn Budget. The campaign is urging the Government to axe the Treasury鈥檚 proposal to bring existing online betting duties into one single rate which would have devastating consequences for the nation鈥檚 second-largest spectator sport that supports 85,000 jobs and which is attended by almost 5 million people each year.

Four scheduled race meetings on 10th September 鈥� the day before the start of the historic four-day St Leger festival at Doncaster Racecourse 鈥� at Lingfield Park, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton Park will no longer take place that day and will be rescheduled.

On the same day, the sport will host a major campaign event in Westminster where senior leaders will be joined by owners, trainers and jockeys to highlight the threat of the Treasury鈥檚 proposal on an industry which is worth 拢4.1 billion to the UK economy.

Economic analysis commissioned by the BHA has shown that aligning the current 15% tax rate paid by bookmakers on racing with that of online games of chance 鈥� currently taxed at 21% – by harmonising all remote gambling duties, could have a destructive impact on the sport with a 拢330 million revenue hit to the industry in the first five years, and putting 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year alone.

This is because betting operators are likely to seek to offset any tax rises through increasing prices, cutting bonuses, reducing advertising and marketing budgets.

Racing鈥檚 decision not to race on 10th September is unprecedented. Race meetings in Britain take place on 363 days a year, with the exception of certain seasonal holidays. With the exception of meetings being called off due to adverse weather, equine virus outbreak and national crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, this will be the first time in history that the sport has taken a collective decision not to race in protest at a Government proposal.

Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive at the British Horseracing Authority said:

鈥淲e have decided to take the unprecedented decision to cancel our planned racing fixtures on 10th September to highlight to Government the serious consequences of the Treasury鈥檚 tax proposals which threaten the very future of our sport.

鈥淏ritish Racing is already in a precarious financial position and research has shown that a tax rise on racing could be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs that rely on it in towns and communities across the country.

鈥淭his is the first time that British Racing has chosen not to race due to Government proposals. We haven鈥檛 taken this decision lightly but in doing so we are urging the Government to rethink this tax proposal to protect the future of our sport which is a cherished part of Britain鈥檚 heritage and culture.

鈥淥ur message to Government is clear: axe the racing tax and back British Racing.鈥�

Jim Mullen, CEO at The Jockey Club, said:

“Our sport has come together today, and by cancelling racing fixtures, we hope the Government will take a moment to reflect on the harm this tax will cause to a sport in which our country leads in so many ways. We hope this pause for reflection will enable the Government to truly understand the economic impact of horseracing and its cultural significance to communities across the UK, as well as the world-class racing festivals we host.

鈥淎fter this period of reflection, we hope the full implications will be understood, and we can prevent the irreparable damage that threatens a sport the nation is, and should be, proud of.”

Martin Cruddace, CEO at Arena Racing Company, said:

“This is such an important day for our sport which faces an existential threat from this Government with its plan to harmonise tax on British horserace betting with online slots and casino games.

“Unlike online casino games, British horseracing makes an enormous contribution to society and employment, has vastly different rates of gambling related harm and is not available every ten seconds, twenty-four hours a day.

“We have always been taxed and regulated differently, and it is imperative for our future that we continue to be so.

“If the Government wants Britain to be a world leader in online casino and a world pauper in a sport at the heart of its culture, then tax harmonisation will achieve that aim.”

Paul Johnson, Chief Executive of the National Trainers Federation, said:

鈥淐ancelling fixtures is a huge sacrifice by racing and should serve as a stark reminder to the Government of the impact its tax raid will have on our sport.

鈥淭housands of jobs are at stake alongside the loss of millions of pounds to the British economy.

鈥淎nd it鈥檚 not just the sport that will suffer. Almost 5 million people go racing every year and across Britain communities will be robbed of a vital social, cultural and economic asset if the Treasury and No10 proceed with this tax grab.

鈥淏ritish Racing cannot survive on reputation alone and we call on the Government to set an enlightened tax regime that will allow the sport to thrive before we reach the point of no return.鈥�

Notes to Editors

• For more information, visit the #AxeTheRacingTax .
• The HM Treasury鈥檚 consultation on the Tax Treatment on Remote Gambling is also available to view .
• The fixtures originally scheduled for Wednesday 10th September at Lingfield Park, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton Park have been rescheduled as follows:
  – Lingfield Park (afternoon) moves to 8 September (afternoon)
  – Carlisle (afternoon) moves to 9 September (evening)
  – Uttoxeter (afternoon) moves to 11 September (evening)
  – Kempton Park (evening) moves to 15 September (evening)
  – In addition, the 15 September fixture at Kempton Park (evening) moves to 18 September (evening)

New research published today reveals the destructive impact the Treasury鈥檚 proposed tax rises on horserace betting could have on the sport 鈥� predicting a catastrophic听拢330 million revenue hit听to the industry in the first five years, and听2,752 jobs at risk听in the first year alone.

In a wake-up call for Government, the latest research commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) reveals an even more devastating economic outlook than initial reports suggested, particularly for racing towns across Britain.

Yorkshire alone, home to nine racecourses including Doncaster and York, is predicted to suffer a听拢37 million economic hit听in the first five years,听with 342 jobs immediately at risk听in the first year – from trainers and stable staff to local pub owners and hospitality workers.

It is in response to the gravest risk faced by horseracing in generations that the BHA has today launched its #AxeTheRacingTax campaign.

In a strident call to arms, the campaign urges the sport and the public to come together to back British racing and stop the Government鈥檚 devastating tax hike by signing the #AxeTheRacingTax .

British horseracing contributes 拢4.1 billion to the economy annually and is a cherished part of British culture, with over 5 million people going to the races every year. But a new proposal from the Government could send Britain鈥檚 second-best attended spectator sport into irreversible decline.

The Government is proposing to tax betting on horseracing at the same rate as online casinos 鈥� rising from 15% to 21% – although the rate could be higher depending on the Treasury鈥檚 decision. The BHA is warning that a tax rise of 21% could cost the industry 拢66 million a year and put 2,752 people at risk of losing their jobs in the first year. Thousands more could follow.

Brant Dunshea, CEO at the BHA, stated:

“This latest tax bombshell from the Government, if followed through, poses one of the gravest risks to horseracing the sport has ever seen.

“The horseracing industry is already in a precarious financial position, and the latest research provides a much more catastrophic forecast than we first thought. We鈥檙e talking thousands of jobs at risk across the supply chain, severely impacted towns and communities, and the irreversible decline of the country鈥檚 second most popular sport.

“Together as an entire industry, we鈥檙e asking the British public for support in calling on the Government to rethink this policy and stop undermining a much-loved part of British heritage and culture. It鈥檚 time to axe the racing tax and back British horseracing.”

David Menuisier, Racehorse Trainer at Coombelands Racing Stables, West Sussex, said:

“This move from the Government would put thousands of trainers, owners, jockeys and stable staff at risk. Racing is much more than just a sport in this country.

“It brings fun and excitement to millions and is a major local employer, particularly here in West Sussex as we prepare for another fantastic year at Goodwood.

“The Government needs to acknowledge the unique and significant social and economic contributions the horseracing industry makes to the country and stop risking the ecosystem that keeps this sport alive.”

Sarah Guest, Yard Manager for John O鈥橲hea Racing, Gloucestershire and 2023 at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin, said:

“A tax rise on betting is only going to stifle the sport. I love what I do, but if the industry starts shrinking, it will be stable staff like me who will feel it first. It鈥檚 a genuine worry, and the Government needs to understand this is going to have significant impact on everyone working in racing 鈥� not just the betting companies.”

To help stop the racing tax and back British horseracing, the BHA is urging supporters to sign the #AxeTheRacingTax听.

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries, please contact BHA@teneo.com.

For more information, visit the #AxeTheRacingTax听听and sign the campaign petition听听. The HM Treasury鈥檚 consultation on the Tax Treatment on Remote Gambling is also available to view听.

About the Economic Modelling Research

The independent research was conducted by Development Economics in July 2025. The economic effects on reduced levels of horseracing activity and attendances were modelled using data from national and regional economic impact assessments for the horseracing industry, alongside datasets from the Office of National Statistics and input-output coefficients sourced from national and regional input-output models.

Total job loss figures represent the total number of workers affected (i.e., on a headcount basis).

鈥淲e have closely monitored developments around greyhound racing in Wales since the publication of 鈥淭he Final Bend?鈥� report by the Petitions Committee in December 2022.

“That report contained a recommendation that when considering a ban on greyhound racing, the Welsh Government should also look at other sports where animals compete. The Welsh Government formally rejected that recommendation within their official response to the report in 2023, and horseracing has not been considered as part of the subsequent process.

“At a Senedd debate on this topic in March 2023, former Welsh Government Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths MS remarked that horseracing is “amongst the world鈥檚 best regulated animal activities鈥�. We鈥檙e not complacent however and we continue to update the Welsh Government on our work to further raise equine welfare standards.

“We are proud of our record on horse welfare and the improvements the sport has made to the safety of our horses, with more than 拢56 million invested by the industry into veterinary research and education in the past 20 years. The BHA firmly believes that when animal sport is well regulated it brings unrivalled quality of life and high standards of care for the animals involved.

“The BHA co-ordinates an active Cross Party Group for Horseracing in the Senedd and will continue to use the group鈥檚 expertise as we work to ensure that horseracing retains its high level of political support in Wales.

“Our industry is a sporting, cultural and economic asset to the Welsh nation and we believe the Welsh Government recognises that contribution.鈥�

Joe made the decision following a diagnosis that his health has deteriorated. He has been advised by his oncologist that he has leptomeningeal metastases.

Following that diagnosis there is now a practical need for Joe to accelerate the transition from his role as Chair and he has therefore taken the decision to resign.

Senior Independent Director David Jones, who has previously deputised for Joe, has assumed the role as Interim Chair of the BHA ahead of the formal handover to incoming Chair Lord Charles Allen on 1 June.

Joe, who became Chair of the BHA in June 2022 having previously been on the Board since 2014, will continue to remain available to assist with the transition of Chair process.

He said: 鈥淚 am very disappointed to step down as Chair of the BHA board but now the cancer has spread to my brain and I have been told that my lifespan is pretty limited, I feel it would be very unfair on horseracing if I did not hand over the reins immediately.

鈥淚 have thoroughly enjoyed both being on the BHA board for over a decade and being Chair for nearly three years. It has been an immense privilege to have such a senior role in a sport I have loved since the age of eight.

鈥淚 did not want to stay on and make decisions that were potentially open to later challenge if questions were raised about whether the cancer had impaired my abilities.

鈥淒avid Jones will do an excellent job in the interim and I think Lord Charles Allen will do a fantastic job with his highly impressive track record and enthusiasm for the sport.鈥�

Acting Chief Executive of the BHA Brant Dunshea said: 鈥淚t is a great sorrow to all of us that Joe has had to step down so suddenly because of his ill health.

鈥淗e has been an outstanding Chair and Board member of the BHA for more than a decade. But more than that, he has been a passionate, dedicated and powerful ambassador for the sport and British Racing owes him a huge debt.

鈥淗aving worked with Joe for more than a decade his wise counsel, personal support, and pure love of the sport will be deeply missed.鈥�

The ISL, which has replaced the former Shortage Occupation List, now includes racing grooms, work riders,听stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands and stud handlers.

The Government鈥檚 decision makes it easier for training yards and studs to recruit workers from abroad into these roles, helping to plug the current shortfall of 2,000-2,500 staff in the industry. This is a significant win for the racing and breeding industry and will provide a boost to Britain鈥檚 rural economy and the sport as we look to continue to grow it.

In its submission to the Migration Advisory Committee last year, British racing made clear it recognised the addition of the roles to the ISL was a short-term fix for a longer-term issue.

It is vital that the industry continues to invest in and develop the recruitment and training of domestic employees to ensure the long-term stability of staffing. Recruiting high-skilled workers from overseas can help increase our training capacity to create the next generation of top-performing recruits.

The addition of the high-skills roles to the ISL also enables training yards and studs to employ overseas workers on a minimum salary of 拢30,960 鈥� a salary discount on the 拢38,700 minimum that applies to other businesses under the Government鈥檚 immigration rules. This makes recruiting some of the best overseas talent a more realistic option for the sport.

The new roles will still need to meet existing criteria and businesses should be aware of the other requirements under the Government鈥檚 points-based immigration system post-Brexit, including mandatory requirements for overseas employees to have received a firm job offer and speak English to the required level.

The BHA will now work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that businesses in these sectors receive the latest advice on the employment of overseas workers following this much needed change.

Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority said:

鈥淭he fact that the six racing and breeding roles are part of only a very small number of jobs transferred from the old Shortage Occupation List to the to the Immigration Salary List听shows the Government recognises how crucial they are to Britain鈥檚 rural economy.

鈥淏ringing in world-class talent from overseas is not a sticking-plaster solution to our recruitment crisis. They are part of the answer by providing us with unrivalled experience to help train our next generation of high-skilled workers.

鈥淚t is essential that racing now takes the opportunity to make the most of our access to the best international talent, which will enable us to put in place long-term solutions to racing鈥檚 staffing shortage.鈥�

Paul Johnson, Chief Executive of the National Trainers Federation said:

鈥淭he inclusion of racing roles on the Immigration Salary List is the culmination of a lengthy process that racing has engaged in throughout.听 We are very appreciative that the challenges our members face in staffing their businesses have been recognised and acted upon by government and see this as providing much needed help whilst the industry develops a long-term term plan for our workforce.鈥�

Claire Sheppard, Chief Executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders鈥� Association said:

鈥淭he TBA welcomes the decision by the Government for three vital equine care roles in British thoroughbred stud farms to have now been officially added to the Immigration Salary List.

“These specialist and skilled positions are vital in enabling studs to continue to deliver world leading health and welfare standards and produce racehorses that excel on the global stage, supporting employment and businesses across the rural economy and underpinning the racing industry鈥檚 拢4.1 billion annual economic impact.

鈥淲hilst the new salary criteria will limit the numbers and roles employed, the opportunity to recruit these internationally skilled individuals from overseas will benefit British breeding operations through the sharing of knowledge and expertise with the domestic workforce.鈥�

Notes to editors:

The听six roles added to the new Immigration Salary List are:

• Racing grooms
• Work riders
• Stallion handlers
• Stud grooms
• Stud hands
• Stud handlers.

More information on the Government鈥檚 points-based immigration system can be found .

The outcome of the Migration Advisory Committee鈥檚 rapid review of the Immigration Salary List, which was published last month and recommended that these roles be added to the list, can be found .

鈥淚 would like to offer my congratulations to every winner this week, and everyone connected with those horses. We again tip our hat to the Irish, and in particular Willie Mullins whose achievement in reaching 100+ Festival winners is truly remarkable.

鈥淐ongratulations also go to the British trainers who secured winners this week, in particular Dan Skelton for his impressive haul.

鈥淚 have no doubt that the men and women who train horses here in Britain are more than a match for their Irish counterparts. However, they need the ammunition and at present the balance of power and the best horses are going to our colleagues in Ireland, and in particular one yard.

鈥淭his is not a new issue. The direction of travel has been set for a number of years now. The sport has been alive to this and taken measures to seek to address it, through attempting to tackle funding issues associated with the sport, seeking increased investment, looking at the race programme, and more recently the delivery of the recommendations of the Quality Jump Racing Review.

鈥淗owever, the Irish domination of the Grade 1 races this week has illustrated that the issue is becoming more pronounced and more damaging for the sport on both sides of the Irish sea.

鈥淧ut simply, the rate of decline of Jump racing in Britain at the top end has outstripped the measures that have been put in place to tackle it. We must do more, more quickly, and in a more coordinated and decisive manner if we are going to restore British Jump racing to the standing at which it belongs.

鈥淐entral to this is the delivery of the industry strategy. The strategy is all about growth. At the core of this is investment in the top echelons of our sport, with a view to incentivising the best horses to be bred, owned, trained and raced on these shores. An additional 拢3.8m in prize money has already been earmarked for investment in 2024 across the top end of the sport in both codes.

鈥淭he strategy is also about much more than just investing in prize money. We need to grow our fanbase by encouraging new fans and retaining existing fans and owners, improve the experience of ownership and attending and viewing racing, and much more besides.

鈥淭o achieve this the sport must work together with urgency and clarity of purpose. The times of being reluctant to embrace change or new ideas, lack of transparency, and focusing on narrow self-interest must be put firmly behind us.

鈥淭he very visible deterioration in British racing鈥檚 competitiveness with our international colleagues has also been at the heart of our discussions with the betting industry and DCMS around the levy, and our representations to Government around the risk of the damaging impact of affordability checks.

鈥淲e have seen great progress in the last 18 months and a spirit of collaboration is clearly developing. I am confident that if the sport and its allies work together around this shared goal then it can flourish once again. Not just across four days in March, but across the whole year. Jump racing鈥檚 popularity in Britain is immense and its potential limitless.鈥�

• Racing survey finds more than a quarter of bettors already forced to undergo affordability checks
• More than half will stop betting or bet less if new checks are introduced
• Strong opposition to proposals for intrusive checks following losses as low as 拢1.36 per day
• One in 10 bettors have used a black-market bookmaker
• Four in 10 are prepared to use the black market if stringent enhanced affordability checks are implemented
• Nine in 10 oppose postcodes or job titles being used to determine ability to bet听

More than half of bettors will stop or significantly cut their betting on horseracing if stringent new checks are introduced, a survey has found.

The proposed checks would see bettors having to prove they can afford their hobby if they sustain losses as low as 拢1.36 per day.

Rather than submit to the checks, respondents to the survey organised by the British Horseracing Authority in conjunction with Racing TV, At The Races and the Racing Post made clear they would turn their backs on the country鈥檚 second-largest spectator sport which contributes more than 拢4bn a year to the British economy.

The aim of the survey was to provide clear and quantifiable evidence of racing fans鈥� opinions on these proposals that could be shared with the Government and the Gambling Commission. The questions echoed those set out in the Commission鈥檚 consultation in a more accessible format and were accompanied by an explanation of what is being proposed. The voices of everyday bettors have often been lost in the debate on affordability checks and the survey has given them a chance to collectively make views known, both to Government and the Gambling Commission.

The proposals consist of two tiers of checks. The first level would test financial vulnerability. “Unintrusive” checks would be conducted when a bettor reaches a 拢125 net loss within a rolling 30-day period, or 拢500 within a rolling 365-day period. The checks would use “publicly available data” and look for issues such as bankruptcy orders or a history of unpaid debts. Such checks would not need to be repeated within a 12-month period. The second level assesses financial risk using credit reference data which would be triggered by losses greater than 拢1,000 within a rolling 24 hours or 拢2,000 within 90 days. The triggers for such enhanced assessments will be lower for those aged 18 to 24. However, when a credit reference agency is unable to provide sufficient information, operators would need to ask customers for data through open banking or providing documentation. At this tier, checks could take place as often as twice a year.

More than 14,000 people responded to the survey, demonstrating the depth of feeling among bettors and racing fans. The eye-catching results included the fact that even before the new affordability checks are introduced, hundreds of thousands of bettors are already being asked to provide proof they can afford to enjoy their hobby.

If the Government and Gambling Commission proceed with the current plans, 52% of respondents say they would either bet significantly less on horse racing or stop betting on the sport at all. This would have significant negative impact on the racing industry due to a substantial reduction in funding due to a fall in the Horserace Betting Levy.

And despite fears about black-market betting activity being played down by the Gambling Commission, the survey showed that one in 10 bettors is already using illegal providers and four in 10 will consider it if the new checks are introduced.

At the same time, using a bettor鈥檚 postcode or job description to potentially determine those 鈥榓t risk鈥� was opposed by 85% of respondents. Assessing people鈥檚 eligibility to place a bet based on their job title or postcode is highly discriminatory and British racing will continue to oppose this proposal.
The results of the survey come as the Gambling Commission鈥檚 consultation on remote gambling is set to close on Wednesday 18 October.

Following significant anecdotal evidence, a decision was also taken to ask racing bettors whether they had already experienced affordability checks to build a clear picture of the current situation.

The Gambling Commission has consistently stated that only 3% of betting accounts will be subject to so-called frictionless affordability checks on their online accounts, with just 0.3% encountering the more stringent 鈥榚nhanced spending checks鈥�. However, it is clear that affordability checks have already arrived by stealth for many, and their frequency is far greater than what has been predicted. With 26% of respondents already subject to intrusive checks, the case for reviewing the idea of blanket affordability checks could not be clearer. Over half of the respondents who have been asked to complete an affordability check refused to do so, showing that a huge number of bettors are already voting with their feet and rejecting the process. Instead, measures must be proportionate and targeted at individuals and their specific circumstances. It is our firm view that until the Government has legislated to make changes to gambling regulations and until such time as checks have been subjected to a pilot and are genuinely “frictionless鈥�, that interventions should only be happening in cases where an operator has spotted genuine signs of vulnerability because of tracking an individual bettor鈥檚 behaviour.

Affordability is only one potential marker of harm for problem gamblers. Given the fact that millions of people enjoy betting safely each year, questions can legitimately be asked about why the Government and Gambling Commission are seeking to dictate how people choose to spend their money in horseracing in a way that it does not seek to do in any other leisure activity, including playing the National Lottery, purchasing alcohol, cigarettes or fast food, or shopping online.

The current size of the black market has also been consistently underplayed by the Gambling Commission, as well as the potential increase in black market activity if blanket affordability checks are to be implemented. The results of British racing鈥檚 survey highlight the impact that affordability checks have already had on driving black market activity, with 9% having used an unregulated bookmaker, while 12% have been approached by one. Any increase in black market activity will have devastating consequences for those with gambling addictions as unregulated betting companies provide no safer gambling tools and are not part of 鈥楪amStop鈥�.

In addition, the potential cost impact of proposed affordability checks on the sport could result in a 11% reduction in the Levy. The resultant loss of value to media rights deals could see the funding from these reduce by 15%, leading to a reduction of overall funding to racing of millions of pounds.

海角大神 will submit a detailed response to the Gambling Commission鈥檚 consultation, on behalf of British horseracing, which includes data from the 鈥楻ight to Bet鈥� survey.

Greg Swift, BHA Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, said:

鈥淭he results of the survey demonstrate a clear rejection by British racing bettors of the measures that are being consulted on by the Gambling Commission. It also demonstrates that for a significant proportion of bettors, affordability checks are already here and impacting on their wholly legitimate hobby. We thank everyone that took the time to complete the survey.鈥�

Martin Stevenson, Racecourse Media Group CEO, said:

鈥淭his survey offers the vital voice of the racing punter, who is not being listened to as they should be. It is essential that these illuminating and stark findings from those most affected are properly digested by the Minister, Stuart Andrew MP, and the Gambling Commission. We thank everyone who partook in the survey 鈥� we truly believe your voice will be heard.鈥�

Matthew Imi, At The Races CEO, said:

鈥淭he Right To Bet survey results offer a very clear indication of the damaging impact which unwarranted affordability checks are already having on racing fans and bettors, and on the sport as a whole. Passionate punters have a key role to play in this debate and we are grateful to those who took the time to share their views.鈥�

Tom Kerr, Racing Post Editor, said:

鈥淭he Right To Bet survey results align with what racing fans and punters have been telling us for years.听Illiberal and invasive affordability checks are not only deeply unpopular, they are driving bettors towards the black market and away from regulated operators, which will cause untold damage to British racing and fail to achieve the stated aim of increasing protections for punters.鈥�

Notes to editors:

1. Full survey results can be found .

2.听Selected survey quotes:

• 鈥淭he overall principle of being told what I can spend my money on is abhorrent to me. The levels are frankly ridiculously low for checks e.g 拢500 a year – 拢10 a week. High level checks will not be on any use – where I live has a wide spectrum of wealth, I am retired so don鈥檛 have a job title and my income will appear low although my wealth is good. I have bet for 40 years it鈥檚 my hobby and never had gambling problem. I will not provide any data for checks so I will be excluded from the sport I love – I go racing currently 2-3 times a month, I have shares in a horse, subscribe to Racing TV and Sky and bet regularly. All this will be lost to the industry.鈥�
• 鈥淚 own a share in a broodmare and her colt yearling. If the opportunity to bet on the foals when they reach racing age is denied to me, since I will not divulge my earnings and savings if requested by a bookmaker, I will hand my share to my trainer and no longer participate in any way in the sport of horse racing. I will do that with massive regret.鈥�
• 鈥淎s an owner of racehorses if these proposals are implemented I will sell all 15 horses in training and remove myself from the sport. I know I鈥檓 not alone with this view amongst owners and racing will face a spiralling decline.鈥�
• 鈥淚 currently own six racehorses and nobody has questioned my ability to pay for and to keep six horses in training, but the system deems it necessary to request all my financial data to enable me to have a bet on my horses. If my ability to bet on them is removed I will sell them and spend my money on something else.鈥�
• 鈥淚 work in a job that pays minimum wage, however I look forward to Cheltenham every year and I book this week off work. A few months before Cheltenham I start to put money aside out of my wages to put towards a Cheltenham pot which I can then use over the course of the week to place my bets, therefore I鈥檓 able to bet bigger than I do all year round as a result of my saving. I believe these proposals would prevent me from having this enjoyment because I wouldn鈥檛 be allowed to deposit/bet this money that I have set aside if I were to have a slow start on day 1 or 2 of the festival with a few losses. I would instantly find myself in a position where I鈥檇 be asked to take affordability checks and have my accounts restricted. In all honesty, this would 100% drive me towards the black market to place my bets as a result. The proposals are incredibly out of touch with reality and they will be punishing the working man.鈥�