The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has launched a new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, titled All in the Race, to ensure that the sport is an inclusive, safe and welcoming space for everyone.
This has been published alongside new research that looks into the experiences of ethnically and culturally diverse people working in the sport and how the current working environment affects them.
Brant Dunshea, BHA CEO, said: “British racing is at its best when it is open, welcoming and reflective of the society around us.
“This strategy is about the long-term health and success of our sport. 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.”
“We are proud of the progress already made across the industry, but we are also honest about where more work is needed. The research the sport has carried out here and in the past has helped us recognise and accept where there is a problem, and act on it.”
The strategy includes recommendations such as inviting more diverse viewpoints into decision-making, improving and simplifying reporting mechanisms for discrimination, reducing barriers for female and ethnically diverse jockeys, as well as launching a leadership programme for underrepresented groups.
Josh Apiafi, Sky Sports Racing Presenter, said: “It should be celebrated that the sport has worked hard to produce this strategy, ensuring that at its core sits the experience, support, and development of racing’s family from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
“Once you are within racing’s fold, it is a welcoming sport. However, we have faced numerous barriers to entry that have prevented ethnically diverse communities from becoming part of racing’s fanbase and workforce.”
The strategy has been launched with support from industry stakeholders, including the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), National Trainers Federation (NTF), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), Racecourse Association (RCA), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA).
Bobby Beevers, Autism in Racing Founder, said:“We are proud to support the BHA’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. People who are autistic and neurodiverse should always feel welcome within racing.
“Through Autism in Racing, we are ensuring that autistic voices are heard and represented across the industry. By working together, we can make the sport more inclusive so that everyone can enjoy racing, pursue careers within it, and truly feel they belong.”
The Authority also introduced new text message capabilities for its anonymous reporting service, RaceWise, allowing people to report on potential wrongdoings.
Cheryl Caves, Women in Racing Chair, said: “Women in Racing is pleased to support the new strategy. As an independent organisation, we have an important role to play in the delivery of the strategy and our existing programmes, including industry-leading mentoring, bursaries and events will contribute to its success.
“Racing Home and our new menopause research demonstrate how by listening to, and working with the sport’s participants we can make racing a better environment for all.”
Earlier this month, the BHA announced that it would be reviewing the new measures at Cheltenham following the false starts in 2025.
David Letts, Racing with Pride Chair, said: “The launch of this strategy marks a significant step forward for British horseracing, providing a clear and unified framework for meaningful progress across the sport.
“Importantly, the published research shines a light on the challenges still facing the sport – challenges which we must face head-on.
“I am proud to see a commitment that goes beyond words, with tangible actions outlined, to create a culture where everyone feels safe, valued and able to thrive within our industry.”
The research covered themes such as patterns of discrimination and exclusion, barriers to entry, and the emotional and psychological impact felt by safeguarding failures
