The elite rider was among thousands of racing professionals who marched in the French capital to warn government of the consequences of raiding racing’s coffers
The elite rider was among thousands of racing professionals who marched in the French capital to warn government of the consequences of raiding racing’s coffers The elite rider was among thousands of racing professionals who marched in the French capital to warn government of the consequences of raiding racing’s coffers
Top jockey Christophe Soumillion took to the streets of Paris on Thursday to join thousands in a protest.
All race meetings in France were cancelled for one day as leading figures from racing and trotting took part in a demonstration against a possible government raid on betting revenue, the two sports main source of funding.
A ‘stop the tax’ campaign, put together by professional racing bodies and unions, has warned an increase in betting tax, originally put forward by Prime Minister Michel Barnier to fill a hole in the social security budget could cost the industries up to £40 million.
Although the measure was defeated when put to a vote in the National Assembly earlier this week, the sports fear it could still be resurrected.
French racing’s ruling body France Galop and the trotting association gave their full support to the day of action.
France Galop said any additional taxation would “jeopardise the balance of the industry and its jobs”.
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Many professionals travelled into Paris from the Chantilly racing centre, as well as the town’s mayor, while others arrived on buses from other parts of France.
Ten-time French champion jockey Soumillon walked at the head of the procession of an estimated 10,000 strong gathering.
Noel George, the French-based British trainer of the exciting chaser Il Est Francais and his jockey James Reveley were among the leading trainers and jockeys also present for the march which stopped at Place Vauban square to hear speeches.
Soumillon, wearing a large sticker saying ‘Save our jobs”, was one of the those to address the crowd.
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AFP via Getty Images)
He told Equidia: “We need to show that racing is important in many areas. Everyone needs to feel that they can continue their passion.”
Trainer Gianluca Bietolini said: “In 2010, this tax practically killed the entire horse racing industry in Italy. The government did not listen.”
France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine told the gathering, “We will continue to fight thanks to your mobilization. French racing has shown its desire to build the future today.”
Mirror – Sport
