'Horse racing can not cope with gambling tax increase'

Joe Tizzard says proposed changes to gambling taxes could impact the horse racing industry

A horse racing trainer has said proposed changes to gambling taxes are "scary" and the sport would be "unable to cope" with it.

The government is consulting on changes to gambling duty, which could mean tax on bets made for horse racing online could be increased from 15% to 21%, reducing the amount paid back into the sport.

Somerset-based trainer Joe Tizzard was part of an industry-wide strike against the plans on 10 September.

He said it is "frightening" what impact the proposals could have on the industry, which is supported by gambling on horses.

The British Horse Racing Authority believes the increase in taxes could cost the industry £66m a year and lead to job losses should the proposals go ahead.

Speaking to Charlie Taylor at Breakfast on BBC Radio Somerset, Mr Tizzard said: "It's not individuals that will get affected - it's the industry as a whole, from racecourses, trainers, owners, and everybody that we employ all the way down

"The sport's under a bit of pressure as it is at the moment and this loss of income would impact it even worse."

He added he supported the strike action on 10 September, and hopes it changes the minds of decision makers.

Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton Sarah Dyke said it would not be just the horse racing industry that is impacted, but also wider businesses such as blacksmiths and cafes in Somerset which supports race courses and trainers.

Ms Dyke, whose constituency includes Wincanton Racecourse, said it attracts rural jobs, adding: "It's so central to what we are in the countryside."

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Dan Tomlinson, said: "We have not announced an increase in the tax on horserace betting, and racecourse betting currently gets a 100% tax break which we have no plans to change.

"We know horseracing is part of the cultural fabric of the country, that's why it's the only sector that benefits from a government-mandated levy.

"Our wider gambling consultation is only about levelling the playing field and simplifying the system, and we are working closely with the industry to understand any potential impacts."