Nigel Farage unleashes full fury on Zack Polanski over maddening plot | UK | News | EUROtoday

With tens of millions of Britons poised to observe the Grand National at Aintree tomorrow, the Green Party’s chief has reportedly chosen this week to demand that horse racing be wiped off the sporting calendar completely – incomes him the fury of Reform UK chief Nigel Farage amongst others.

The categorical understands Polanski, 43, needs to close down the £4billion business regardless of its deep roots in British sporting tradition. He goes effectively past his personal celebration’s place — the Greens’ official coverage limits itself to banning the whip, stopping in need of abolition.

The name is considered one of a number of eyebrow-raising positions held by the Green management contender, who additionally needs to legalise heroin, crack cocaine and prostitution, introduce a tax on canine possession, scrap the Trident nuclear deterrent, shut all zoos and disestablish the Church of England.

Polanski — born David Paulden — argued that horse racing constitutes animal cruelty and has known as for all equestrian disciplines to be faraway from the Olympic programme. In a 2024 publish on X he wrote: “Let’s go further and remove all animals involved in sport.”

His veganism shapes greater than his weight loss program. In 2018 he tracked down American musician JMSN on social media and requested him to revamp his clothes line after recognizing a horse on considered one of his T-shirts.

“You’re one of my favourite artists of all time and these T-shirts are dope, but as a vegan, I’m not keen on wearing horseriding stuff. Rethink your logo please?” he wrote.

Farage fires again

Nigel Farage dismissed the Green chief’s place with out ceremony, reaching for the phrase “cranky” to explain what he heard.

“The idea of banning horse racing is utterly absurd,” he stated. “Horse racing is an integral part of our British heritage. It’s a sport that supports tens of thousands of jobs, rural communities, and generations of tradition.

“It’s additionally deeply ironic that Polanski, a celebration chief that appears comfortable to legalise nearly the whole lot else, is so captivated with banning considered one of Britain’s most historic and beloved sports activities.”

Conservative MP Nick Timothy, who represents a seat that covers Newmarket — the town that sits at the centre of the British racing world — was equally dismissive.

“This is excessive insanity from Zack Polanski. He’s not the one one. This Labour Government dangers taxing and regulating racing out of existence,” he said.

What’s at stake

Few sports are more woven into British life than racing, which trails only football in annual attendance figures. British Horseracing Authority data puts the industry’s contribution to the national economy at £4.1billion, with the sector underpinning work for more than 85,000 people.

The Grand National Festival at Aintree — which opened in wet weather yesterday — pumps £60million into the local Liverpool economy across its three days. A global television audience of more than 600 million spread across 130 countries is expected to tune in, with punters in Britain alone tipping £250million on the outcome.

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Dunshea said: “Horse racing isn’t just the nation’s second-favourite sport, it is one thing deeply embedded in our lifestyle. It is a sport that’s vastly deserving of Government help.”

Sean Trivass, chair of the Horseracing Bettors Forum, said the cruelty argument did not stand up.

“From blacksmiths to hospitality workers — this multi-billion-pound business employs 1000’s of individuals. The horses are a number of the finest looked-after animals. They have spent a long time fine-tuning the game to make it safer. I see the cruelty as a poor argument. Why deprive tens of millions from a flutter they get pleasure from and the chance to socialize,” he stated.

Should the Greens ever discover themselves ready to manipulate, the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot would be a part of the Grand National on the endangered checklist.