Everyone was ready. Trainers were pacing in the stables, jockeys were checking their boots, and crowds were buzzing with excitement for Wednesday, September 10. But then came the announcement that stopped everyone in their tracks: the races would not happen. Not because of rain, illness, or pandemic, but because British horse racing had decided, collectively and deliberately, to refuse to race. A sport steeped in tradition had pulled the plug in protest, leaving fans, participants, and the industry itself reeling. So, what’s the exact matter?

It all comes down to the government’s plan to raise taxes on horse race betting. Right now, horse racing bets are taxed at 15%, but the proposal would raise that to 21%, the same rate paid by online casinos. Racing leaders like Brant Dunshea, Jim Mul

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