'Racing is Everyone's Sport': jockeys to wear rainbow armbands for campaign

A campaign to make everyone feel welcome in racing regardless of their sexuality has been backed by prolific Flat trainer Mick Appleby and Classic-winning jockey Tom Marquand.

Great British Racing (GBR), on behalf of the industry, this week launched 'Racing is Everyone's Sport' to encourage and champion the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people.

The drive supports LGBT charity Stonewall's annual Rainbow Laces campaign, which began in 2013.

Jockeys riding at Aintree, Sandown and Wolverhampton on Saturday will be encouraged to wear rainbow armbands, while pin badges sporting the design will be available for staff and spectators at the courses.

Appleby, who in an interview in the Racing Post last year, spoke of previously being guarded about declaring he was gay over concerns it could affect how he was seen by others, has taken part in a video produced by GBR to share his experiences alongside ex-jockey Victoria Smith, work rider Christopher Williams and Di Farrell-Thomas, an owner who works for the British Racing School.

"Racing in general is very welcoming and open to everyone, no matter what gender you are or who you identify as," he said. "I always try to be open, and all my staff know that. Racing is like a family; happy staff means happy horses.

"To anyone who is afraid to be open about who they are and their sexuality, don't be afraid, just be who you are."

Marquand added: "We’re a big industry with a lot of people involved and with that brings a diverse range of people. I think it's essential that everyone feels welcome and it's something racing has tried very hard to do over the last few years."

The Premier League and Premiership Rugby are other sporting organisations to support Stonewall's efforts, which have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic.

David Letts, a member of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group, said: "Research demonstrates that minority groups have been disproportionately affected during the crisis. As such, racing should be proud of the significant progress it has made to promote LGBT+ inclusion.

"The sport's recently launched LGBT+ network, Racing With Pride, has been a great example of this work which has already proved most valuable to the industry's LGBT+ community and allies.

"Everyone in our sport should feel able to be their true selves without fear of discrimination and I believe we are moving in the right direction to achieve this.

"This campaign offers the opportunity for the industry to celebrate our progress and stand together against discrimination and demonstrate unequivocally that racing is everyone’s sport."

More to read:

Rishi Persad: 'racing is behind the times' on racial diversity and equality

If racing is to develop it's vital it listens to those who speak out on race

Diversity group: racing must work together to make everyone feel welcome

Training launched to improve LGBT+ awareness and inclusion within British racing

LGBT group Stonewall welcomes racing's proposal to kick out discrimination

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