People love a day at the races – let’s make sure the Government get that message in the Axe the Tax war

PEOPLE love a day at the races. Come on racing people let’s scream that message from the rooftops.

It’s not something the sport plays on much. But it’s true.

People love the races

In the current ‘Axe the Tax’ climate as horse racing rallies to try and prevent a rise in taxation, it’s something we should hammer home to the Government. After all, racegoers are voters.

The point I’m trying to make is away from affordability checks, a bloated fixture list, too much money going to racecourses, low prize money and Levy hell, it should just always be remembered how much people like a day at the races.

And we saw that in spades over the weekend with a huge crowd at Doncaster for Britain’s final British Classic of the year, the Betfred St Leger.

Arena Racing Company is in charge of Doncaster.

The ARC chief executive is Martin Cruddace, and he told me: “Two years ago we were fortunate enough to have the King and Queen at Doncaster, last year we were fortunate enough to have the Prime Minister and this year we were fortunate enough to have 26,000-27,000 people.

“Incredible people, and many form the City of Doncaster.

“The vibe, the buzz and the excitement is out of my ten St Leger meetings right up there at the top.

“What the racecourse does for the City is quite incredible and I’d like to think this racetrack is the heartbeat of Doncaster.”

You hear that Sir Keir? Over 26,000 – mostly local people – who love horse racing.

So here’s a question.

Why does the Government seemingly have no issue with the lottery? Why do the people of Great Britain seemingly have no issue with the Lottery?

It’s a form of gambling. It’s addictive for some.

The reason is simple. People see much of the money going to good causes, projects and activities that transform communities, protect our heritage, and enrich lives through arts, sports and culture.

Horse racing provides positivity too. It’s a sport that should feel good about itself. People like it.

We have six weeks or so before we find out whether racing‘s act the tax campaign is successful. Or the very least whether it was worthwhile.

In those six weeks I would ask everyone to keep telling the Government that people like horse racing.

It’s a good day out, and that includes whether it’s for a bit of music after the sport or a way to keep up with friends or – dare I say it – even to have a few beers out in the open. People like a day at the races.

This should be the new cry from people in horse racing. People really like it. And the figures are there to back that up.