Diversity in Racing

Racing is everyone’s sport: Our vision is for racing to be a diverse and inclusive sport in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and where fans from all communities feel welcome.

British racing’s leading organisations have come together to improve diversity and inclusion across the sport under a unified “Industry Commitment” to ensure racing truly is a sport for everyone and to help the sport grow and thrive in the future.

British racing is proud to be one of few sports where all genders compete on equal terms. The Industry Commitment formalises the sport’s approach and commitment to diversity and inclusion, building on the extensive existing activity already taking place. Much of this is highlighted and celebrated through Racing Together which has showcased over 80 initiatives across the sport enabling the broadest range of people to participate, progress and achieve in horseracing.

The Industry Commitment follows the establishment of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group in 2017 and represents part of British racing’s Covid‐19 ‘Recovery Plan for British racing’, which includes putting in place foundations for a longer‐term sustainable recovery for the sport through engaging new and diverse audiences in all aspects of the racing industry.

British racing’s commitment to improving diversity and inclusion

The Industry Commitment was first undertaken in May 2021 by British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Racecourse Association (RCA), National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), National Trainers Federation (NTF), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) and Great British Racing (GBR) who are collectively responsible for the operational running and promotion of British racing.

There are now a total of thirty racing organisations signed up to the Commitment: Arena Racing Company, Ascot Racecourse, Ayr Racecourse, British Horseracing Authority, British Racing School, Chester Racecourse Company Ltd, Godolphin, Goodwood Racecourse, Great British Racing, Injured Jockeys Fund, JETS, National Association of Racing Staff, National Horseracing College, National Trainers Federation, Newbury Racecourse, Pony Racing Authority, Professional Jockeys Association, Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Racing Digital, Racing Together/Racing to School, Racing Welfare, Rewards4Racing, Scotting Racing, Scottish Racing Academy, Take The Reins, The Jockey Club (on behalf of the Group including Jockey Club Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates and The National Stud), The Racing Foundation, Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and York Racecourse.

Read the full Industry Commitment here.

Other organisations across British racing are encouraged to join this Industry Commitment and play their role in creating a truly diverse, inclusive and welcoming sport in the years ahead.

Learn more about the BHA’s own D&I commitments and Action Plan here.

Diversity in Racing Steering Group

Formed in 2017, the Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG) is an independent voluntary body providing strategic direction, advice and support to the industry to help progress diversity and inclusion. It’s work is reviewed and supported by the industry’s Members’ Committee, which comprises leaders from racecourses, participants and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Read the DiRSG Annual Update here or visit Racing Together for upcoming events and useful D&I resources, including case studies, industry research and practical toolkits.

DiRSG Members

The DiRSG is made up of passionate and experienced individuals from across the sport with a common desire for racing to grow and thrive on a foundation of diversity and inclusion.

Useful contact details 

Head of Diversity & Inclusion:Naomi Howgate [email protected]

Safeguarding: Online reporting at britishhorseracing.com/regulation/safeguarding or email: [email protected]

Reporting discriminatory abuse: (e.g. homophobic, sexist, racist) – britishhorseracing.com/raceWISE