'We must be honest and acknowledge progress has been uneven' - BHA to launch new strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion

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The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will launch a new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy this month after acknowledging "progress has been uneven".

Called All in the Race, the strategy, announced at this year's Racing Together Industry Day at Lingfield on Wednesday, will begin in the coming weeks and represents a clear, ongoing commitment by the sport to create an environment that is inclusive, safe and welcoming for everyone who works in, or participates in, racing.

“It’s not about the importance of what we call it, it’s what we do and deliver,” said Rose Grissell, head of diversity and inclusion at the BHA. "As the governing body of British racing, the BHA is uniquely positioned to lead this work, but leadership in this sense isn't about acting alone. It’s about setting a clear direction, setting standards and supporting the whole sport to move forward together.”

In recent years, racing has had cause to celebrate developments in equality, diversity and inclusion strategy (EDI). Initiatives aimed at widening access to the sport include Autism in Racing, the Racing Media Academy, the Riding A Dream Academy, and Racing With Pride.

Grissell said: “That impact could be seen this week when Aamilah Aswat made history by becoming the first female black jockey to win a jumps race, reflecting what is possible when talent meets opportunity."

The strategy follows calls from Sky Sports Racing presenter Josh Apiafi for words to be matched by action. Speaking in October following the launch of a film titled The Enduring Race, Apiafi urged the BHA to lead a centralised, funded approach to diversity and inclusion to prevent the sport from falling out of step with society.

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“We must be honest and acknowledge progress has been uneven,” said Grissell. “Recent research into the experiences of ethnically and culturally diverse colleagues has highlighted challenges for the sport, including patterns of discrimination and barriers to progression. A full report will be published alongside the strategy.

“We want to lead and coordinate, but also equip and empower, by offering a practical framework supported by guidance, tools, education and resources, so that every organisation within racing has what it needs to take meaningful action. The strategy will provide the sport with a roadmap to improve diversity, inclusion and equality.”

Rose Grissell speaking at the Racing Together Industry Day at LingfieldCredit: Highfield Creations

There is also a commercial incentive behind the strategy, with data suggesting organisations perform better when people feel respected and valued, and can succeed on merit. More diverse environments are typically more innovative, productive and effective.

Grissell said: “This is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sport if we're to grow and attract the next generation of fans. To stay relevant, we must reflect modern Britain, and to protect our social licence we must uphold the highest standards of fairness, safety and respect across the sport. This strategy is a call to action for the entire industry, because positive change doesn't happen by accident.”

More than 100 industry professionals attended the conference, with the opening keynote address delivered by a speaker from outside racing. Lisa Wainwright MBE, chief executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, drew on her wider experience of promoting sport to highlight the importance of volunteering, authenticity and EDI, while urging racing to continue its work in those areas.

Wainwright said: “Inclusion, belonging, EDI – it doesn’t matter too much what you call it, as long as you ensure people have access to the same opportunities. The power of connections is important. You have some great connections within racing, but you may also have connections outside the sport that you can use to sell its social and economic value.”

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