The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has launched a modern equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy aimed at addressing what it describes as a “consistent pattern” of racism within the sport. The move comes after research revealed deeply troubling experiences among individuals from underrepresented groups, highlighting systemic issues that impact both their professional progression and, in some cases, their mental wellbeing. This isn’t simply a matter of optics for the BHA; it’s a recognition that a truly thriving racing industry depends on attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and fanbase. The strategy, unveiled this week, outlines a series of proposals designed to foster a more inclusive environment across all levels of the sport, from jockeys and trainers to stable staff and racegoers.
The impetus for this comprehensive overhaul stems from a series of findings that paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds. A study focusing on the Urban Equestrian Academy, a social enterprise dedicated to increasing access to equestrian sports for people from inner-city and diverse communities, revealed that all 20 participants had experienced racism. Crucially, all participants also reported that their race had negatively impacted their career advancement. The impact of this discrimination is profound, with one participant sharing that they had contemplated suicide due to the treatment they received. These deeply personal accounts underscore the urgent need for change within the industry. Further data from a separate survey indicated that 40% – representing 67 respondents – had either experienced, witnessed, or been informed of inappropriate behaviour rooted in ethnicity or cultural background. The reported incidents included verbal abuse, with examples cited as deeply offensive racist language, such as being called “dirty refugee” and told they would be “better off if you had been bombed.”
Addressing Systemic Issues in British Racing
The BHA’s strategy isn’t solely focused on addressing racial discrimination. It also acknowledges a significant imbalance in gender representation, particularly among jockeys. Currently, only 25% of jockeys are women, despite the fact that women comprise 70% of students at racing schools and 50% of the overall racing staff. This disparity extends to opportunities, with female jockeys receiving just 9% of rides and a mere 3% of rides in top-tier races. This underrepresentation points to systemic barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential within the sport. The BHA recognizes that these inequalities are not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of deeper, ingrained issues that require a multifaceted approach to resolve.
Rose Grissell, the BHA’s head of diversity and inclusion, emphasized the importance of acknowledging these experiences. “The strategy is rooted in evidence and shaped by the lived experiences of people working in racing today, and we offer a huge thank you to those who have taken the time and shown the courage to share these with us,” she stated. “Many have positive experiences, but not everyone does, and acknowledging that is an important step in supporting positive progress.” Grissell further articulated the BHA’s ambition to integrate inclusion into the everyday practices of the sport, moving beyond it being considered an optional add-on. This commitment signals a shift towards a more proactive and sustained effort to create a truly inclusive environment.
Key Pillars of the New Strategy
The BHA’s new equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy is built around five core pillars, each designed to address specific areas of concern and drive meaningful change. These include strengthening leadership and accountability, building equitable practices to dismantle bias and barriers, improving education and awareness to promote inclusive behaviour, better supporting and celebrating an inclusive culture, and actively engaging new audiences to broaden the sport’s appeal and accessibility. These pillars are not intended to operate in isolation but rather to operate in synergy, creating a holistic and comprehensive approach to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Strengthening leadership and accountability will involve establishing clear expectations for leaders at all levels of the sport and holding them accountable for promoting inclusive practices. Building equitable practices will focus on identifying and removing systemic barriers that disadvantage underrepresented groups, ensuring fair access to opportunities and resources. Improving education and awareness will involve providing training and resources to help individuals understand and challenge unconscious biases and promote respectful behaviour. Better supporting and celebrating an inclusive culture will involve creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Finally, engaging new audiences will involve actively reaching out to communities that are currently underrepresented in racing, making the sport more accessible and appealing to a wider range of people.
The Broader Implications for the Sport
Brant Dunshea, the BHA’s chief executive, underscored the strategic importance of this initiative, stating that the new strategy is about ensuring the “long-term health and success” of horse racing. “To attract talent, fans and investment, we must ensure that everyone who works in or engages with racing feels safe, respected and able to thrive,” he explained. “British racing is at its best when This proves open, welcoming and reflective of the society around us.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition within the industry that diversity and inclusion are not merely ethical imperatives but also essential components of long-term sustainability and growth. A more diverse and inclusive racing industry is likely to attract a wider range of participants, sponsors, and fans, ultimately strengthening the sport’s economic viability and cultural relevance.
The launch of this strategy comes at a time when scrutiny of diversity and inclusion practices is increasing across all sectors of society. The racing industry, like many others, is facing growing pressure to address systemic inequalities and create more equitable opportunities for all. The BHA’s commitment to tackling these issues head-on is a positive step, but the success of this strategy will ultimately depend on the willingness of all stakeholders – from owners and trainers to jockeys and stable staff – to embrace change and actively participate in creating a more inclusive environment. The BHA has not yet released a detailed timeline for the implementation of the strategy, but it has indicated that it will be closely monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed. The organization plans to publish regular reports on its diversity and inclusion efforts, providing transparency and accountability to the public.
Looking Ahead: Implementation and Accountability
The next steps for the BHA will involve developing detailed action plans for each of the five pillars of the strategy. These plans will outline specific goals, timelines, and metrics for measuring progress. The BHA will also be working with stakeholders across the industry to ensure that the strategy is effectively implemented and that everyone is on board with the changes. A key component of this process will be establishing clear accountability mechanisms, ensuring that individuals and organizations are held responsible for promoting diversity and inclusion. The BHA has indicated that it will be exploring a range of options for accountability, including performance reviews, training requirements, and potential sanctions for non-compliance.
The success of this strategy will also depend on fostering a culture of open communication and transparency. The BHA has committed to creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and concerns without fear of retribution. This will involve establishing confidential reporting mechanisms and providing support services for those who have experienced discrimination or harassment. The BHA also recognizes the importance of engaging with external organizations and experts to learn from best practices and ensure that its strategy is aligned with the latest research and thinking on diversity and inclusion. The BHA will be publishing further details on the implementation of the strategy in the coming months, including a timeline for key milestones and a list of resources for stakeholders.
The BHA’s commitment to addressing these issues is a significant step forward for British racing. However, sustained effort and genuine commitment from all involved will be crucial to achieving lasting change. The industry’s future success may well depend on its ability to embrace diversity and create a truly inclusive environment for all who participate. The BHA is expected to provide an update on the strategy’s initial progress at its annual general meeting in July 2026.
What are your thoughts on the BHA’s new strategy? Share your comments below and let us know how you think the racing industry can become more inclusive.
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