One of the trainers who headed to London for the demonstration is Stuart Williams, who is also based in Newmarket, which calls itself “The Home of Horseracing”.
“We are trying to discourage the government putting racing in the same boat as online casinos,” he said.
“[If the increase is brought in], the bookmakers will adjust their terms to get their profits back, which will make your £5 worth less when you bet with it.”
Terry Albone, from Hemsby in Norfolk, has been in the industry for 60 years, starting out as a jockey before becoming a trainer.
“The government needs to try and help the industry instead of crippling it – it would be better if they dropped the tax rather than increase it,” he said.
“If things do not improve a lot of small trainers will have to pack up because they just will not be able to afford to keep going.
“It will cause a lot of jobs to be lost and a loss of money.”
