Autism in Racing founder has big plans after 'phenomenal' first year

The founder of Autism in Racing, an industry-wide effort to use racing as a vehicle for raising awareness, has highlighted a range of successes in its opening year and revealed plans for a new support programme for those who work in the sport.

Around 700,000 individuals in the UK are estimated to have a diagnosis of autism, two of them being racing broadcaster Bobby Beevers and his daughter Sophia.

Motivated by wife, Rachelle, to do something that might help others with the condition, Beevers set about creating Autism in Racing, which since its launch last May has staged seven autism-friendly events at Aintree, Doncaster, Haydock and Musselburgh, while 170 British racing employees completed a new Racing2Learn e-module on autism.

When surveyed, 66 per cent of the beneficiaries at the special racedays – which included family groups and school visits – indicated they had not previously engaged with racing, but 96 per cent said they would return if there was an Autism in Racing presence. The sensory rooms provided at the racecourses received 94 per cent approval.

Funding from the Racing Foundation and the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust proved vital to the year one success of the BHA-backed Autism in Racing, which under the management of the Racecourse Association and Racing Together has further highlighted racing's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

A crowd of young racegoers enjoy the Autism in Racing day at Haydock last year

"The first year has been phenomenal," said Beevers. "It has all gone so big in such a short space of time. The response to Autism in Racing from inside and outside the sport has been fantastic.

"For year two we're going to have more autism-friendly days on more racecourses, including at some new tracks, one of them being Ascot on February 19.

"I'm also pleased to say we're almost ready to announce the details of the support programme we've been working on for people who are autistic and would like a career in racing and also for those already working in the industry who want to be better support a colleague with autism."

RCA raceday experience and communications manager Paul Swain added: "The RCA is immensely proud to have played a role in delivering the pilot year of Autism in Racing. We have provided our beneficiaries with a safe, enjoyable family experience and hopefully will welcome them back as racing fans in the future. The initiative has also allowed industry stakeholders to learn about autism, a subject that was not previously covered in any industry training.

"The evidence from our beneficiaries gives great optimism that Autism in Racing can grow and be even more ambitious in future."

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