Horse racing: UK betting job losses and Melbourne Cup updates

Global horse racing news highlights include the Hong Kong Jockey Club adjusting its schedule to fill ten cancelled races. In the United Kingdom, official data indicates the closure of 600 betting shops since November 2025, resulting in the loss of 11,000 jobs and £17 million in direct betting turnover.

In international competition, trainer André Fabre has announced that 'Saddadd' is targeting the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as a primary goal. In Australia, the Victoria Racing Club has released weight declarations for the 2026 Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup, with 'Half Yours' set to be the top-weighted horse.

In the United States, Fairmount Park remains the sole remaining pillar of thoroughbred racing in Illinois following the takeover of Hawthorne Race Course. Meanwhile, in Japan, 'Rock Ptarmigan' is preparing for the Japan Dirt Classic.