'We can do better' - diversity group striving for wider ethnic representation

The head of diversity and inclusion believes British racing will be a "better, stronger and more sustainable sport" if it is able to attract a more diverse audience and a workforce that represents wider society.

That was the message from Rose Grissell as the Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG) published its 2020 annual update, which focuses on the importance of capitalising on awareness within British racing as it works towards a more inclusive industry.

Two years on from the publication of the first Diversity in Racing Action Plan, which highlighted ways to promote greater diversity and inclusion across British racing, the update outlines the progress made over the last year and priorities for 2021.

DiRSG objectives

Raising awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion across the whole sport

Better understanding British racing’s landscape

Creating an inclusive sport for all

To increase the number of riding opportunities for female jockeys

"Despite the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 has seen positive stories created and impactful actions being undertaken across British racing," said Grissell.

"Individual milestones achieved on track, in particular Hollie Doyle's incredible achievements, have continued to take racing to wider audiences. More so, the launch of a raft of industry initiatives and the recent public focus on diversity issues have created real momentum behind the drive to make racing for everyone.

"We know that racing will be a better, stronger and more sustainable sport if we are able to attract a more diverse audience and a workforce that represents wider society. We must utilise the current momentum across the sport to ensure we can do better and can be better."

Despite some positive initiatives addressing inequalities within racing, the lack of ethnic diversity in some areas of racing has been acknowledged by the DiRSG since its inception, with racing's leaders accepting change should be happening faster.

"The lack of ethnic diversity amongst racegoers is apparent and other areas of the sport also have progress to make," states the update. "We know that one in eight of the working age population are from a black, Asian, minority ethnic background, yet there is only one minority ethnic person in the position of general manager or clerk of the course across our 59 racecourses.

"We know there is a huge range of people with different heritage and ethnic backgrounds amongst our racing staff communities, yet how many progress to work in other areas of the sport, including training or becoming a jockey?"

Rose Grissell: 'We must utilise the current momentum across the sport'

The DiRSG is working with the sport's Members' Committee on a unified commitment and plan to improve, aiming to build on the work that has been carried out in recent years.

The update continues: "The ambition of the DiRSG is for racing to be a sport for everyone and where inclusion is the norm. Our focus is on creating an inclusive culture and widening representation."

Among the DiRSG's objectives is to increase the number of opportunities for female jockeys, with a priority for 2021 to "continue to promote female jockeys as equals".

"Racing has been made in man's image and women are expected to slot into this," adds the update. "We will continue to drive improvements to female jockey facilities on racecourses, as well as to move the narrative beyond gender benchmarking."

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