BHA strategy to tackle 'consistent pattern' of racism in racing

BHA chief Brant Dunshea said the new strategy was about ensuring the "long-term health" of horse racing People from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds have reported a "consistent pattern" of racism while working in horse racing, according to research commissioned by the sport's governing body. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has launched a new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy to tackle issues faced by underrepresented groups in the sport. The new strategy draws from research into the experiences of women, LGBTQ+ individuals and ethnically and culturally diverse employees.

"The strategy outlines a vision for a sport where everyone feels respected, valued and able to fulfil their potential," the BHA said. "It is based on evidence and the experiences of racing's workforce, many of whom have positive experiences, but not all. " The BHA's research into underrepresented groups in racing highlighted "negative experiences, barriers to progression (which are often hidden), inconsistent support, and a lack of trust in reporting systems".

A study which focused on the Urban Equestrian Academy - a social enterprise aimed at providing people from inner-city and diverse backgrounds access to horses and equestrian - found that all 20 participants had reported experiencing racism. In the same study, all participants said that race had impacted their career progression. One participant shared that they had thought about suicide "on a few occasions because of the way I was treated".

Meanwhile, 40% (67) of respondents in a separate survey said they had experienced, witnessed, or had reported to them inappropriate or poor behaviour because of ethnicity or cultural background. Some reported verbal abuse including aggressive racist language such as "dirty refugee" and "better off if you had been bombed". The new strategy also identified a significant underrepresentation in female jockeys, with only 25% of jockeys being women despite them making up 70% of racing school students and 50% of racing staff.