Jockeys and industry staff invited to take part in first racing sexuality study

The members of Britain's weighing rooms are being asked to take part in a confidential survey aimed at exploring the subject of sexuality among jockeys.

Racing industry professional David Letts has taken on the research project, which is being supported by the Professional Jockeys Association, as part of his Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA degree at the University of Liverpool, whose course is backed by the BHA, Levy Board and Racing Foundation.

While there has been a growing amount of research focused on the relationship between sexuality and sport, no work has yet been carried out within the racing industry, in which there has, to date, been only one openly gay jockey.

The project – which follows the publication of racing's first diversity and inclusion action plan – will use data collected from surveys and subsequent interviews to explore trends and attitudes towards sexuality in racing.

Members of Britain's weighing rooms are being asked to take part in a survey looking at the sexuality of jockeysCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Letts said: "I'm thrilled to be exploring this key aspect of diversity within the horseracing industry with the full support of the BHA, PJA and the sport’s Diversity in Racing steering group.

"I believe having a better understanding of diversity, in all its forms, is fundamental to the sport we love remaining relevant in today’s society.

"The Diversity in Racing steering group has made excellent progress in this regard and I hope this research will provide valuable information for both the participants involved and the industry more widely."

Running parallel to the survey on jockeys is one looking at sexuality in the wider racing workforce, including stable staff, amateur jockeys and those employed in racing administration.

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