Stakeholders combine in bid to improve diversity and inclusion across the sport

Major stakeholders in British racing have come together under a "unified industry commitment" with the goal of improving diversity and inclusion across the sport.

The industry commitment aims to "formalise the sport's approach to diversity and inclusion" and other organisations across British racing will be encouraged to join in the future.

The initial commitment from the BHA, Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders Association, National Trainers Federation, Professional Jockeys Association, National Association of Racing Staff and Great British Racing follows the creation of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group in 2017 and represents part of British racing’s Covid-19 recovery plan.

It will revolve around five key areas; leadership and accountability, good governance, education and awareness raising, celebrating racing's diversity and engaging new audiences.

Annamarie Phelps, chair of the BHA, said: "This is an important step forward for the sport. Being proactive about improving diversity is essential to the long-term viability of the sport, but first and foremost it is absolutely the right thing to do."

Annamarie Phelps

Work will include diversifying board representation in line with recommendations set out by UK Sport to adopt a target of a minimum of 30 per cent of each gender on to their boards by the end of 2022. Plans will also outline "a collective ambition to increase board diversity with regard to other identities – including but not limited to ethnically and culturally diverse communities and disability".

Sky Sports Racing broadcaster Josh Apiafi, who is making his own efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in racing, said: "The stakeholder commitment announced today is most welcome. UK racing is miles behind other leading sports in terms of its ethnicity levels, especially in its leadership.

"Targets, education and action are what is required in order that UK racing can start to become more reflective of society; so that we become more attractive to the next generation of fans, owners and its future workforce."

He added: "The commitment of a target for gender diversity numbers in the sport is fantastic to see and gives something tangible for stakeholders to achieve. I look forward to seeing a similar target set across our industry for ethnicity and inclusion."

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