Rishi Sunak throws support behind horseracing industry amid white paper concerns

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has thrown his support behind the British horseracing industry after stating the sector “showcases Britain on the global stage”.

Speaking ahead of the 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to champion horseracing as it faces a period of unparalleled difficulty.

Sunak, whose Richmond Parliamentary constituency includes Middleham training centre and Catterick racecourse, has long been a supporter of horseracing but his recent comments mark the first time he has publicly backed the sector since moving into Downing Street.

Sunak has reportedly pressured former Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) ministers regarding the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review, given his close ties to the sector.

In a video message, Sunak said: “From my visits to Middleham and Catterick racecourse, both in my constituency, I have seen the sheer hard work, grit and dedication of all in British racing for the horses in their care.

“Tonight’s finalists exemplify all that is best about British racing and breeding – an industry which does so much for communities across our country, generates over £4bn for our economy and showcases Britain on the global stage.

“I want to see British racing and breeding stay at the front of this global race in the years ahead,” he added.

Sunak’s supportive comments come as the pressure of affordability checks ahead of the release of the white paper continue to hamper horseracing.

Regulus Partners estimates that at least 20% of British horseracing’s turnover, around £2bn, has already been lost to the black market.

The shift amounts to a 7% hit on the sport’s annual revenue, or about £80m, with punters flocking away from the regulated market amid intrusive affordability checks and account restrictions.