All horse races in France on November 7 have been canceled because of a strike. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Racing strike

All horse racing meetings that were due to take place on November 7 in France have been canceled due to industry strikes.

widespread anger from within the industry has now led to an unprecedented protest

The French government amended its budget plans to include a tax on racing to fund a shortfall in the social security budget, but widespread anger from within the industry has now led to an unprecedented protest. 

The taxes were set to cost the industry between €20m ($21.6m) and €50m ($54m), on top of the €951m ($1.03bn) which it already contributes.

Budget amendment

Gambling taxes on horse racing were not included in the original budget, but an increase in online racing betting tax from 7.9% to 15%, and a 0.6% increase on physical betting shops were added in a late amendment. The resulting anger from the industry sparked an immediate protest movement.

the issue was dropped from the budget after it was defeated in the National Assembly

Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s Budget Minister, later said he disagreed with the decision to levy the taxes, and in the end, the issue was dropped from the budget after it was defeated in the National Assembly on Monday.

Despite that reprieve, the protests will take place anyway as an indication of general feeling throughout the industry and to guard against any attempts to reintroduce them as the process of passing the budget drags on.

A demonstration against the tax is also planned for November 7 in Paris. A general boycott is called, and punters, trainers, bookmakers, and other individuals involved in gambling are asked to attend the protest.

Racing workers rally

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the France Galop and Société du Trotteur Français stated: “Although the amendment to increase taxation on horse-racing betting was rejected, it is essential to maintain pressure on the government and elected representatives.”

we won’t give up, because our jobs are at stake” 

“This subject is likely to be brought up again in the Senate or at any other point in the budget adoption process, and it is vital that we make it clear to all politicians, through a strong mobilization on Thursday, that we won’t give up, because our jobs are at stake.

“We invite every member of the industry to join us at Place Denfert-Rocherau on November 7 alongside the professional associations in the defence of horseracing.”