LEGENDARY trainer Nicky Henderson is backing our ‘Save Our Bets’ campaign, warning proposed betting tax rises will do ‘irreparable damage’ to racing.
The six-time champ, who is preparing to run his fan favourite Jonbon at Cheltenham in feature Shloer Chase on Friday afternoon, has joined our call for the Chancellor to rethink plans to launch a tax grab on the betting industry when she announces her budget on November 26.
Betting shops will close, jobs will be lost, millions of punters could flock to the black market — and racing will be hit hard.
Hendo told Sun Racing: “Fair play to The Sun for having a good go.
“If the Chancellor goes ahead with her plans, it is going to impact everybody in the sport.
“Starting at the top, you’ll get a horrible snowball effect through the industry.
“It will hurt owners, because prize-money will be severely hit, so they won’t want to buy horses which will hurt breeders and trainers.
“That will have a knock on effect to jockeys, stable staff, farriers, vets, the thousands of people who are directly or indirectly employed by the sport, and I’m sure a number of racecourses would go.
“I dread to think how many job losses there will be.
“In Lambourn and west Berkshire where we are, the economy is geared towards racing.
Most read in Horse Racing
“I fear this area would be decimated, and it would be a similar story in towns like Newmarket. It would be a catastrophe for racing.”
Hendo has to focus on the day job, first and foremost, and he can’t wait to get Jonbon’s year under way in the Grade 2 Shloer (2.55) on Friday.
The nine-year-old has been a star over the last few years, adding another three Grade 1s to his haul last season, and he will likely go off the odds-on favourite as he chases a hat-trick of wins in the Shloer.
Hendo said: “This is the tried-and-tested route with Jonbon, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
“It’s only three weeks until the Tingle Creek after this, so it does come around quite quickly, but it’s worked before and that’s what we’re planning to do again.
“He is a marvellous old friend, he retains all that enthusiasm. He’s much more relaxed than he used to be, he used to live on his nerves.
“Everything has gone really well in the build-up and he’s enjoyed his work.
“Nico de Boinville rode him at the weekend, and was very pleased with him. The season is starting to warm up now and we’re all very excited.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Read more on the Scottish Sun
GANG ASSASSIN
Gunman murdered Scots gangster Marc Webley by shooting him dead outside pub
THE REAL DYL
Celtic title winner finally signs for a new club after six months unemployed
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
