British Racing Celebrates Diversity
The Diversity in Racing Steering Group has published its annual update detailing the progress achieved in the sport throughout 2022. This year saw the launch of #ALLINTHERACE, British horse racing’s first ever diversity media campaign. Ashleigh Wicheard won the Magnolia Cup charity race at Qatar Goodwood Festival and took the knee with her fellow riders. The sport also celebrated Black History Month for the first time.
The Diversity in Racing Steering Group works to support diversity and inclusion in horse racing. ©James Anthony/Pexels
Achievements and Firsts
UK Racing has published its annual update highlighting the success of its Diversity in Racing Steering Group. The group launched its #ALLINTHERACE campaign earlier this year, with the mission to support diversity, inclusion and equality for racing stakeholders. The group also took the opportunity to look ahead at the priorities it hopes to deliver on in 2023.
2022 has seen a number of significant positive developments and firsts for British racing to celebrate. Hollie Doyle set a new record for a female jockey in a British championship season, coming in at second place only to William Buick.
Ashleigh Wicheard won the Magnolia Cup charity race during Qatar Goodwood Festival. Prior to the race Wicheard, who is Neil Mulholland’s travelling assistant, led her fellow riders in taking the knee. While this symbolic gesture in solidarity against racism has become a common sight in sports like football, it was the first time it has been seen on a British racecourse.
Following on from the #ALLINTHERACE campaign, the sport celebrated Black History Month for the first time in October. A campaign featuring three of British racing’s trailblazers, Ashleigh Wicheard, Brian Finch and Callum Helliwell, was launched. Step On Track is creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to get into British Racing, while the Racing Pathway has inspired diversity and inclusion in the sport.
The Riding A Dream Academy is working to support the next generation of riders, offering access to racehorses and opening doors to new careers in sport. Black History Month marked an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has already been made, as well as looking at the steps that need to be taken to combat racism and champion diversity.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Another milestone was reached when Brian Finch was appointed as the chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse. He is the first black person to hold such a senior position within the sport. Jockey licensing courses now specifically teach on diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the next generation of athletes is educated on the subject.
2022 also saw the British Horseracing Authority’s Code of Conduct come into force. The code aims to promote respect and foster a fairer, more inclusive sport. Nine more organizations signed up to the Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment, bringing the total number of members to thirty.
The commitment consists of five main objectives, building on existing activity such as community engagement, educational programs and charitable work. These objectives encompass leadership and accountability, good governance, education, celebrating diversity in the sport and engaging with new audiences.
Looking ahead to 2023, the steering group has set out a number of points it intends to address. Funded by the Racing Foundation, the DiRSG will continue to make progress on the areas it initially set out in 2021. Its three main objectives are to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion across the whole sport, gain a better understanding of British racing’s landscape and create an inclusive sport for all.
The group has provided further details on how it intends to progress on these priorities in the DiRSG Annual Update. The document also contains a review of 2022’s activities. The Diversity in Racing Steering Group was first established in 2017. It represents part of British racing’s Covid-19 recovery plan, which includes foundations for long-term, sustainable recovery for the sport by engaging with new and diverse audiences.
Reaching Higher Standards
In addition to the vital work being spearheaded by the DiRSG, there are several impressive initiatives that are working to open up British racing to new participants and fans. These include National Racehorse Week, the Riding a Dream Academy, the Pony Racing Authority, Careers in Racing, Racing to School, Autism in Racing and the Racing Pathway.
Susannah Gill, Chair of the DiRSG, was pleased to mark the progress that the group has made this year. #ALLINTHERACE was the first ever diversity media campaign for British racing, and will continue to run next year. Gill added that marking Black History Month was another important first for British racing that will be built on. Gill stated:
“It is the responsibility of all of us in the sport to ensure diversity and inclusion is embedded in every organisation if we want British racing to grow and thrive in a world that is changing faster than ever and in which consistently higher standards are rightly expected from individuals and organisations. This is the challenge for us all to embrace in 2023 and beyond.”
Rob Hezel, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, echoed those sentiments. The Racing Foundation is proud to fund the work of the DiRSG and recognizes that there is still a lot of work to be done within the industry if it intends to become truly representative of society.
The British Horseracing Authority praised the good work that has been achieved this year. Speaking on behalf of the organization, Julie Harrington emphasized the importance of ensuring that the industry’s workforce, athletes and fans feel at home in the sport regardless of background or circumstance.
