the essential
Some managers of the equine industry, met at the Marchès de Castelsarrasin racecourse (Tarn-et-Garonne) on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, are worried about their profession as the national “day of death” mobilization approaches in Paris .
Like any other day of the year, Didier Lebois pampers the fifteen or so hairs – for which he is responsible – in the stables of the Marchès racecourse.
But on this cloudy morning, the coach seems upset. Not because of the preparations for the last meeting of the year, this Sunday in Castelsarrasin, but because of the upcoming mobilization against the project to overtax horse racing betting.
“We are planning to go up to Paris today,” slips the horse owner between two brushes given to the mare Kyrielle du Fort. The entire sector is impacted. We risk being costly if nothing is done. We must defend our profession to withdraw this law. »
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Between 20 and 30% loss on winnings
In nearly 45 years of career, Dominique Lebois is not at his first event. But that of November 6, 2024 marks a turning point for the Castelsarrasinois resident.
“The government wants to tax horse racing betting. This was already the case with VAT. If the PMU redistributes less money to us, we risk losing between 20 and 30% of our race winnings. In the meantime, the charges are still the same. And with less money, it becomes difficult to feed the horses properly,” said the trainer, determined to defend his profession.
Direction Paris ?
And he is far from being the only one in this situation. Except that not everyone is going to “go to Paris” this Thursday. This is the case of this other horse owner, standing in front of the stables: “Now the government is talking about legalizing online casinos, without all the controls that go with it. »
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Sand track, historic stands, entertainment for children… the Marchès de Castelsarrasin racecourse is preparing for a new meeting
Before stopping for a moment, staring at the horse stalls, and expressing himself without concession: “It’s simple. No play, no running, no work. »
