This afternoon, families will come out of their post-Christmas slumber and head to the races for a fun-filled day.
For many, this has become a cherished tradition passed down through generations, including trips to famous venues like Kempton Park, Aintree, Wetherby, and Wincanton, as well as Fontwell and Sedgefield—creating the perfect atmosphere for family bonding during the festive season.
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Credit: Getty
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Credit: Getty
There are eight race meetings scheduled for today, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and countless viewers across the nation who will watch the live broadcasts on ITV, with some even taking a chance on a bet while they enjoy the action.
Over the years, horse racing has become an essential part of Britain’s cultural landscape, with the prestigious Ladbrokes King George VI Chase being a long-held highlight of the Boxing Day sports calendar.
This race is pivotal in shaping careers and creating legends.
Desert Orchid triumphed four times, while Kauto Star racked up five victories, both loved by fans who return to experience the next chapter today.
Alongside appreciating the skill and courage of the horses and riders striving for excellence, many attendees enjoy the thrill of analyzing each race’s nuances and betting on their favorites, enriching their experience of the day—and the sport itself.
A Series of Checks
Regrettably, bettors are finding it increasingly difficult, and if this trend continues, the racing industry could suffer significant declines.
Despite horse racing having relatively low instances of problem gambling, the sector has felt the impact of stringent checks introduced by betting operators regarding consumer affordability in recent years.
The government has labeled these checks as “inconsistent and burdensome,” requiring personal documents such as bank statements or payslips even for small amounts of betting.
Our 2023 Right To Bet survey, which included over 14,000 participants, indicated that a quarter of racing bettors experienced these checks.
Many voiced their frustration, viewing this as an intrusion into their right to freely use their disposable income.
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Some have begun turning to the illegal gambling market for more accessible betting options with unregulated bookmakers.
Consequently, online racing turnover has seen a decline of £1.5 billion by March 2024, according to data from the Gambling Commission, with no apparent reduction in the overall problem gambling rate.
The Gambling Commission is looking into more streamlined methods for conducting financial checks on bettors that do not negatively impact user experience.
If such measures are introduced, they must be genuinely seamless and should not deter individuals from placing bets or drive them to illegal markets.
Nearly two years have passed since the former government issued its White Paper on gambling, raising concerns that the frequent warnings and feedback from bettors have gone unheeded.
The racing sector simply requests that checks on bettors be fair and just—if someone shows signs of gambling issues, then the bookmaker ought to step in and carry out checks on that person.
However, if a bettor displays no such behavior, they should have the freedom to place bets as they wish.
It’s not just the betting regulations that are financially straining the racing industry.
We are actively pushing for significant changes to the Horserace Betting Levy, the primary funding source for the sport.
This Levy has remained stagnant since 2017, and its inability to adjust to the realities of the economic downturn is adversely affecting the sport.
We are losing traction against our closest competitors in Ireland and France.
Superior prize money is a crucial factor driving many top horses to relocate abroad.
A modest increase in the Levy could significantly boost British racing and enhance our competitiveness on a global scale.
Why is this important? British racing is more than merely a sport.
It is a cultural asset that enhances our nation’s global soft power, with prominent events like the Derby, Royal Ascot, and the Grand National celebrated worldwide.
It also serves as a substantial economic contributor, adding £4.1 billion annually to the nation’s economy, being the second most-watched sport in the UK.
At least 85,000 jobs in Britain are directly or indirectly tied to British racing.
Moreover, it acts as the backbone for many communities, both in urban and rural areas.
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Credit: Getty
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Racecourses, numbering 59 across Britain, act as essential hubs for our communities.
These venues allow families—where, unlike many sports, children under 18 can enter for free—to gather with friends and colleagues for a day filled with joy, entertainment, and perhaps, if fortune smiles upon them, a few winning bets.
Racing offers a delightful day out for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
At a British racecourse, you can witness all walks of life—from a street sweeper to our King or Queen—coming together in shared delight.
This sport merits government support for its numerous positive contributions to our society.
Clearly, the British public still holds the sport dear, as stable attendance numbers over recent years illustrate, even as many face tighter budgets.
Moreover, major events such as the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National, and Royal Ascot are not just fundamental parts of our national sporting calendar, but also highly anticipated highlights on the international stage.
The unintended consequences of well-meaning but misdirected policies are stark. If changes are not made, future generations of families attending the races this afternoon could find a very different Boxing Day awaiting them.
