Today’s Women in Racing AGM highlighted a bumper year for the volunteer-led organisation with fantastic numbers across the mentoring, bursary and events programmes. It included the launch of the much-anticipated Menopause, Mid-Life and Wellbeing research by Dr Kate Clayton Hathway, you can read more below on this.
Some highlights include:
- -New member WhatsApp hub launched
- -Bursary programme relaunched
- -Launch of Mentors4Mums and male mentors
- -New partnerships including Weatherbys Bank and ARC to name a few
- -Transformed governance structure
Watch the recording here:
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Women in Racing, in partnership with the FDJ United (Unibet), are proud to announce the publication of Racing Home: Menopause, Midlife and Well-being in British Horseracing.
This independent research led by Dr Kate Clayton-Hathway of the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice at Oxford Brookes University, examines how perimenopause, menopause and midlife intersect with working life across the sport and outlines practical, achievable steps to better support and retain experienced women within the industry.
Building on earlier Racing Home (www.racinghome.org.uk) research into working motherhood, this study focuses on another critical life stage that coincides with career progression, caring responsibilities and long-term workforce sustainability. With women over 50 the fastest-growing segment of the UK workforce, retaining midlife women is not only a wellbeing issue but a strategic priority for racing.
The qualitative research involved seven facilitated workshops, nineteen in-depth interviews and contributions from 77 participants across training yards, studs, racecourses, welfare organisations, governance, media, betting and associated professional roles. Over three-quarters were aged 40+, providing detailed insight into lived experience across varied working environments.
Findings highlight that horseracing’s vocational culture – characterised by long hours and physically demanding roles – can intensify menopause symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disruption, cognitive changes and emotional strain. Many participants reported feeling pressure to “power through” in silence, with menopause sometimes becoming a “quiet exit point” for experienced professionals.
The report stresses that menopause should be viewed not as an isolated issue, but as part of a broader life-course wellbeing strategy. Supporting women through midlife signals that expertise is valued and that wellbeing underpins safe, sustainable performance.
While examples of good practice already exist, support was found to vary widely. Importantly, many recommended adjustments are low-cost and practical including improved access to facilities, temperature regulation, flexible approaches where feasible and clearer communication around rights and available support.
The report sets out short, medium and longer-term actions, including:
- Development of a core ‘Racing & Menopause 101’ education package
- Integration of menopause awareness into licensing and CPD pathways
- Exploration of mentoring schemes and Menopause/Midlife Champions
- Enhanced guidance on workplace policies and reasonable adjustments
- Expanded resources and signposting via www.racinghome.org.uk portal
Lucy Gurney, Women in Racing Chair, said: “We’re delighted to launch this latest research which listens to the experiences of racing’s workforce throughout mid-life. Huge thanks go to Dr Kate Clayton Hathaway, FDJ United and the Simply Racing team. Please do get in touch to share your reflections on this piece of work with the WiR team and we look forward to taking the recommendations forward to inform our future work.”
Dr Kate Clayton-Hathway, who led the research for Oxford Brookes University’s Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice, said: “Menopause and midlife are a normal part of women’s working lives, yet too often remain invisible. Experienced midlife women are vital to the future of horseracing, but without recognition and support menopause can become a quiet exit point. Our findings show that small cultural and workplace changes can make a meaningful difference to retention and long-term wellbeing.”
Ed Nicholson, Head of FDJ United / Unibet Racing said: “At FDJ United, we have proudly partnered with Women in Racing for a number of years, through our Unibet brand, and have seen first-hand the positive impact the Racing Home project is making across the sport. Supporting this important research into menopause and midlife was a natural next step in that partnership. The findings within this report provide valuable insight and practical recommendations for the industry and as long-standing supporters of racing, we are committed to ensuring the wider racing community benefits from our involvement, and we look forward to seeing the next phase as these recommendations move towards meaningful implementation.”
By embedding menopause awareness within existing wellbeing and occupational health frameworks, the industry has an opportunity to retain critical expertise, strengthen resilience and demonstrate leadership in inclusive employment practice.
The full report of Racing Home: Menopause, Midlife and Well-being in British Horseracing is available via www.racinghome.org.uk
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New Chair Announced for Women in Racing
After four years as Chair of Women in Racing and six years as a dedicated committee member, Lucy Gurney will step down following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on 25th February. Cheryl Caves will succeed her as Chair, following a carefully planned transition and seamless handover process over recent months.
Lucy will continue to support the organisation in her role as a Racing Home Ambassador, contributing to ongoing research and implementation projects.
Reflecting on her time volunteering for the independent organisation as Chair, Lucy said:
“Being on the Women in Racing committee has been a joy, professionally and personally, and I am so proud and grateful to be part of this extraordinary network of women. I am constantly reminded of the power of mentoring and how rewarding it is to volunteer time to help others develop and succeed.
I have worked with wonderful committee members since joining the committee in 2019 and enjoyed steering WiR into its latest phase. The expanding membership, transformed governance and Racing Home going from strength to strength are a testament to the many brilliant people who contribute to WiR in so many ways.
There is still much to do, and I hope you will continue to support Cheryl Caves, Lucy Goffe and the wider committee on the exciting journey ahead.”
Lucy is Community Engagement Manager at Racing Together. All committee roles for Women in Racing, including the Chair, are undertaken on a voluntary basis.
Cheryl Caves has been a member of the Women in Racing Committee since November 2023, serving as Mentoring Lead and more recently as Deputy Chair. She is currently Head of Operations at the British European Breeders Fund and brings significant industry experience, energy and insight to the role, along with a clear focus on delivering for members.
Cheryl said:
“Lucy has led Women in Racing with vision and dedication, and the committee is incredibly grateful for all she has done. I’m excited to continue the work she has started and to build on it with the support of a fantastic committee. Their insight, energy and commitment make everything we do possible, and I feel lucky to be stepping into this role alongside them.”
As part of the transition, Lucy Goffe, Governance and Integrity Manager at British Equestrian, steps into the role of Deputy Chair. Emily Dinning, Business Coordinator at Bath Racecourse, becomes the Mentoring Lead, having previously served on the committee as Co-Events Lead.
Women in Racing extends its sincere thanks to Lucy for her leadership and commitment over the past four years and looks forward to building on this strong foundation under Cheryl’s guidance.
The WiR Committee:
- Cheryl Caves (Chair)
- Lucy Goffe (Deputy Chair & Strategy)
- Faye Archer (Comms)
- Sophie Chambers (Partnerships)
- Emily Dinning (Mentoring Lead)
- Juliet Frost (Co-Treasurer)
- Kim Leet (Secretary)
- Sally Lyons (Co-Treasurer)
- Beau Malik (Social Media & PR)
- Kimberley Priori (Events Lead)
- Steph Swanney (Bursary Lead)