‘Our message to the government is clear’

Jim Mullen, the CEO of The Jockey ClubCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The chief executives of the Jockey Club and Arena Racing Company (Arc) have both given their support to Britain’s racing strike next month.

Jim Mullen, the Jockey Club’s CEO 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 Britain, as well as the world-class racing festivals we host.

“After 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.” 

Arc’s CEO Martin Cruddace 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.”