Leading trainer William Haggas has urged the UK government to provide greater support for horse racing and betting ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget. The Chancellor, John Healey, is reportedly considering doubling the tax on gaming machines in high street bookmakers from 20 percent to 40 percent, a move that industry experts warn could lead to widespread shop closures and significant job losses.

Haggas, who recently celebrated a notable victory at Ascot with Almeraq in the Champion Sprint, emphasized the economic importance of a healthy racing and betting industry. He suggested that promoting the sport and its associated betting activities could ultimately benefit government revenues. “If government could just open their eyes and see that if they promote racing and promote betting on racing, they will be better off too,” he said.

The concerns echo warnings from Brant Dunshea, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), who last week highlighted the potential damage tax increases could inflict on the sport. The rise in gaming machine tax threatens the financial ecosystem that supports horse racing, notably the revenue derived from bookmakers’ TV subscription fees.

In recent months, bookmakers have already scaled back their sponsorship commitments. Fred Done, owner of Betfred, has indicated that further tax hikes might compel his organisation to withdraw support from major races such as the Classics. This development poses a significant risk to the funding structure that underpins the racing calendar.

Despite these challenges, the sport has shown signs of recovery, with attendances steadily increasing. Yet, industry leaders stress that without urgent government intervention, the future of horse racing in the UK remains precarious. They call for policies that recognise racing’s contribution both as a sport and as an economic driver, to safeguard jobs and investments tied to the sector.