'We are marching to remind the politicians not to undermine our industry' - French racing's day of action in light of tax threat

Leaders of the march through Paris to defend racing and trotting have warned that a potentially ruinous increase in betting tax could be reintroduced at any moment by the French government. 

Thousands of professionals from across the two codes will descend on the capital on Thursday to protest against the threat of a tax rise which it is estimated would cost the industry between €20 million and €50m. 

While ministers have spoken about a potential carve-out for betting on racing and trotting in order to protect the ability of the Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU) and other operators to support the sport, there is no guarantee from the government that the plan to raise online duty by 8.1 per cent and on-course and high-street rates by 0.6 per cent will not be part of a renewed proposal.