British Horseracing Confronts Systemic Racism and Inequality with Recent Strategy
London, UK – British horseracing is embarking on a significant effort to address deeply rooted issues of racism and inequality with the launch of a new equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy. The move comes after research commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) revealed a “consistent pattern” of racist experiences reported by individuals from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds working within the sport. The strategy, unveiled on Thursday, aims to create a more welcoming and equitable environment for all involved in racing, from jockeys and stable staff to trainers, and owners. This initiative represents a critical step towards ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the sport, recognizing that attracting talent, fans, and investment hinges on fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.
The BHA’s comprehensive research highlighted a range of challenges faced by underrepresented groups, including “negative experiences, barriers to progression (which are often hidden), inconsistent support, and a lack of trust in reporting systems.” These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic change within the industry. The strategy is built upon evidence gathered from the experiences of racing’s workforce, acknowledging that while many have positive experiences, a significant number do not. The BHA’s commitment to addressing these issues is further demonstrated by its focus on strengthening leadership accountability and building equitable practices to dismantle existing biases.
The scope of the problem extends beyond general experiences of discrimination. A particularly concerning study focused on the Urban Equestrian Academy, a social enterprise dedicated to providing access to equestrian sports for individuals from inner-city and diverse backgrounds, found that all 20 participants reported experiencing racism. Every participant in the study stated that their race had negatively impacted their career progression. The emotional toll of this discrimination is profound, with one participant revealing they had contemplated suicide “on a few occasions given that of the way I was treated.” This stark revelation underscores the severity of the issue and the urgent need for effective intervention. A separate survey revealed that 40% – representing 67 respondents – had either personally experienced, witnessed, or been informed of inappropriate or discriminatory behavior based on ethnicity or cultural background. The BBC reported that some individuals recounted instances of verbal abuse, including deeply offensive racist language such as “dirty refugee” and “better off if you had been bombed.”
Addressing Systemic Barriers and Underrepresentation
The new EDI strategy isn’t solely focused on addressing racial discrimination. it too acknowledges significant gender imbalances within the sport. The research revealed a substantial underrepresentation of female jockeys, with women comprising only 25% of all jockeys despite making up 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. These statistics highlight the need for targeted interventions to remove barriers to female participation and advancement within the industry. The BHA’s strategy aims to build equitable practices to address these biases and create a more level playing field for all.
The strategy outlines five key pillars for action: strengthening leadership and accountability, building equitable practices to address bias and barriers, improving education and awareness to promote inclusive behavior, better supporting and celebrating an inclusive culture, and engaging new audiences to broaden access to the sport. These pillars are designed to be interconnected and mutually reinforcing, creating a holistic approach to EDI. Rose Grissell, the BHA’s head of diversity and inclusion, emphasized that the strategy is “rooted in evidence and shaped by the lived experiences of people working in racing today.” She added, “Many have positive experiences, but not everyone does, and acknowledging that is an important step in supporting positive progress.”
The Urban Equestrian Academy and the Fight for Inclusion
The findings from the study conducted with the Urban Equestrian Academy are particularly poignant. The Academy, established to break down barriers to entry in equestrian sports for individuals from diverse backgrounds, provides a crucial pathway for those who might otherwise be excluded. The fact that every participant reported experiencing racism underscores the pervasive nature of the problem and the challenges faced by those attempting to navigate a traditionally exclusive environment. Racing Post details how the Academy’s experiences informed the BHA’s strategy, highlighting the importance of listening to and learning from those directly affected by discrimination.
The BHA’s commitment to improving education and awareness is a crucial component of the strategy. This includes providing training for all those involved in racing, from jockeys and trainers to stable staff and officials, to help them recognize and challenge unconscious biases and promote inclusive behavior. The aim is to create a culture where discrimination is not tolerated and where everyone feels safe and respected. The strategy emphasizes the importance of better supporting and celebrating an inclusive culture, recognizing the value of diversity and the contributions of all individuals.
Looking Ahead: Implementation and Accountability
Brant Dunshea, the BHA’s chief executive, stated 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 said. “British racing is at its best when We see open, welcoming and reflective of the society around us.” The success of this strategy will depend on its effective implementation and ongoing monitoring. The BHA has committed to establishing clear metrics and targets to track progress and ensure accountability. This includes regular reporting on diversity statistics and the implementation of robust mechanisms for addressing complaints of discrimination.
The strategy also recognizes the importance of engaging new audiences and making the sport more accessible. This includes initiatives to promote racing in diverse communities and to provide opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to receive involved in the sport. By broadening its appeal, British racing can ensure its long-term sustainability and relevance in a changing society. The BHA’s commitment to these goals is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future for the sport.
The launch of this EDI strategy follows similar initiatives in other equestrian disciplines. In April 2023, British Equestrian also released a report highlighting bullying and racialised experiences within the sport. The Guardian reported that the study found 24% of participants felt racial discrimination adversely affected their access to the sport, and that figures from Black, Asian, or mixed backgrounds were significantly lower than white respondents when asked about career viability in equestrianism.
The next step in this process will be the establishment of an independent oversight group to monitor the implementation of the strategy and provide recommendations for improvement. The BHA has indicated that this group will be comprised of individuals with expertise in EDI and representatives from diverse communities within racing. The formation of this group is expected to be completed by the finish of the second quarter of 2026.
What are your thoughts on the BHA’s new strategy? Share your comments below and let us know how you think British horseracing can become more inclusive and equitable. Please also share this article with your networks to help raise awareness of this important issue.