The BHA cites that the campaign has brought much-needed attention to the issues and funding challenges facing UK racing. However, on taxation, the matter is now out of its hands, with the final judgement resting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) states that it has done all it can to convince the Labour government not to implicate the heritage sports on tax rises on UK gambling.

The Authority stands by the actions of its high impact #AxeTheRacingTax campaign, bringing attention to ministers across the political spectrum on the negative implications of a tax rise on UK racing.

The Authority said: “We have made every effort to ensure the government understands the scale of the risk to British racing if it presses ahead with a tax rise that would hit the sport’s finances, its workforce, and the rural communities that depend on it.”

Headlined by the unprecedented Racing’s Cancelled Day on 10 September, the campaign triggered parliamentary questions, media debate, and political engagement across all parties on the consequences of a gambling tax hike for the sport’s long-term funding model.

With the 26 November budget fast approaching, the BHA confirmed that its final lobbying push is now underway, engaging directly with Treasury officials, MPs, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Racing and Bloodstock.

“We have taken our message to every corner of Westminster and beyond,” the Authority added. “The case has been made clearly and consistently — this proposed tax rise would damage not only racing but the wider rural economy and the thousands of jobs it sustains.”

Encouragingly, over 100 Labour MPs — including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown — have backed calls to protect British racing from wider gambling duty increases, while leading think tanks such as the Social Market Foundation (SMF), IPPR, and Demos have all warned against policies that would harm the sport’s financial ecosystem.

A clear message has now been delivered across the political spectrum: racing is united, its economic and cultural importance well understood, and the next move lies with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has indicated that gambling firms will be asked to “pay their fair share”.

The BHA maintains that #AxeTheRacingTax has succeeded in raising wider awareness of the sport’s challenges — including its close ties to rural constituencies and the urgent need to reform the Horseracing Betting Levy to ensure sustainable funding.

“This campaign has shown what can be achieved when the industry speaks with one voice,” the BHA continued. “Racing is ready to work with Government on a fair, modern and sustainable approach to taxation and funding that supports the long-term future of one of Britain’s great sports.”

In closing, the Authority reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement, stating:

“Whatever the outcome of the Budget, British racing will always seek cooperation for the good of the sport and the communities it supports.”