Why is British horse racing not going ahead on September 10th 2025?

British horse racing will take the unprecedented action of striking on September 10th 2025 in retaliation to proposals over tax increases on the sport.

Four meetings scheduled to take place that day – cards from Lingfield, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton – have been moved to alternative days, marking the first day the UK will voluntary have no horse racing taking place in the industry's modern history.

The move comes as the sport looks to bring attention to its Axe The Racing Tax campaign, which opposes prospective hikes from 15% up to 21% on all bookmaker revenue earned from horse racing.

That would bring racing's tax thresholds in line with the rate sportsbook gaming and casino products pay – but many within the sport fear that would also have disastrous consequences.

Tax hike would have 'catastrophic' consequences for racing

Brant Dunshea, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, told the BBC: "British 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.

"This is the first time that British Racing has chosen not to race due to Government proposals. We haven't 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's heritage and culture."

The chief concern is that an increase in taxation around racing-based revenue will deter bookmakers from investing their funds into the sport. Currently, they are by far and away the biggest sponsors of race meetings at both the highest and lowest levels.

Estimates suggest the proposals could cost the industry over £300million and put over 2,700 jobs at risk within a year of coming into place.

No decisions made yet, say Treasury

The next Budget in October is thought to be when such proposals could come into place, though the Treasury are insistent that the process is only at the consultation stage and no decisions have been made.

A spokesperson for the UK government said: "We are consulting on bringing the treatment of online betting in line with other forms of online gambling to cut down bureaucracy.

"It is not about increasing or decreasing rates, and we welcome views from all stakeholders including businesses, trade bodies, the third sector and individuals."

The UK races 363 days a year, with only natural events such as equine illness, adverse weather conditions or the Covid-19 pandemic having previously caused blank days.

UK racing fans will have to turn their attentions over the Irish Sea on the strike day, with Cork hosting a seven-race card from 4.17pm onwards.