'This year has been transformational' - Riding A Dream Academy celebrates record participation

The Riding A Dream Academy has reported a record year for participation and progress in its annual review, with more than 400 young people taking part in its programmes – nearly double the previous year’s figure.

Founded to improve diversity and inclusion within British racing, the academy saw 80 per cent of its students come from ethnically diverse backgrounds, up from 71 per cent last year and far exceeding other industry initiatives.

The charity’s flagship Khadijah Mellah Scholarship, supported by the Racing Foundation and Goodwood racecourse, continues to be a major success, with 65 per cent of graduates now either working in racing, having joined the British Racing School Foundation Course, or completed industry work experience.

Among those making their mark are Sienna Anderson, who finished second in this year’s Magnolia Cup, and Uwitonze Wenham Beckford, shortlisted for the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.

Naomi Lawson, director of the academy, said: “This year has been transformational, not just in the numbers we’ve reached but in the progress our students are making. Applications from ethnic minority students to the British Racing School have now reached 12 per cent of all applications.”

The academy also launched a new partnership with Ascot, giving 50 students from schools in Slough the chance to experience riding and learn about career opportunities in the sport. The initiative expanded in June, with more than 150 students taking part in fitness and Equicizer sessions.

Progress comes amid wider debate about racing’s commitment to inclusion. Last month, broadcaster Josh Apiafi called on the sport to follow its words with action and questioned why ethnicity data from a major diversity and inclusion survey had not been published 18 months after completion.

Responding to the criticism, acting BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea said the board was still reviewing the data and emphasised its commitment to transparency and change. 

“This is not an issue of a lack of commitment,” he said. “We’re absolutely committed to improving things and broadening our diversity right across the sport."

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