'It was one of the most powerful images in racing I've seen - it was huge'

Josh Apiafi, one of British racing’s most prominent figures in the push for greater diversity, has hailed the taking of the knee at Glorious Goodwood by Ashleigh Wicheard and riders in the Markel Magnolia Cup last week.

The gesture by Wicheard, who travels horses for trainer Neil Mulholland, has been common in other sports since it came to prevalence under the banner of the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and her actions were described by Apiafi as "one of the most powerful images" in the sport's drive for inclusion.

While Premier League clubs announced on Wednesday the knee would be taken only at “high-profile moments” of the season, Apiafi insists the message retains a huge impact.

All smiles: Ashleigh Wicheard after winning the Magnolia CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Sky Sports presenter and former Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) chief executive has been at the forefront of recent progress in improving the diversity in racing’s workforce and attitude towards all minority groups within the industry.

Shortly after taking the knee last Thursday and then riding Dark Shot to win the charity race, Wicheard said she wanted to act as a “role model for black women” and her actions are considered to be a significant moment for the sport.

“It was huge,” said Apiafi. “It was one of the most powerful images in racing that I’ve seen in terms of pushing diversity and inclusion.

“It just shows that if you open your doors to diversity it’s amazing to see who will walk through and the stories that they bring with them. The platform of the Magnolia Cup has given Ashleigh a chance to find her voice and what a positive message she brought about. I was extremely proud.”

The broadcaster said he would have advised against the gesture if it had been five years earlier, but significant progress has been made in the sport such as the launch of the Diversity in Racing steering group in 2017 and Apiafi's own project, the Racing Media Academy, aimed at providing opportunities for diverse talent.

He does, however, still deal with racist abuse when the topic is raised.

Josh Apiafi: has spoken out about diversityCredit: Dan Abraham

He added: “The sport is moving in a positive way, can it move quicker? Of course it could. With Brian Finch being the new chair of Epsom we’re starting to see racing beginning to look more reflective of society but there’s still a long way to go. More Ashleighs would be amazing.

“It was not just the bravery of Ashleigh and the riders to do it but also it has been interesting to see the response, every time we have pushed or cajoled diversity it has been hit with negative comments, particularly on social media. I get hit with racist abuse on a regular basis if we ever touch on the diversity and inclusion.

“I don’t think this [taking the knee] would have happened five years ago and I probably would’ve recommended Ashleigh not to do it. The response this time has been, I’d say, 80 per cent positive, but the 20 per cent was jumped upon by the 80 per cent, backing her for what she did.

“We want racing to be reflective of society. We’ve still got a long way to go. We’re challenging something which has got 300 years of history but it [racing] is embracing change far more than it has.”

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