The highly anticipated Women in Racing Summit is set to take place at York Racecourse on Wednesday, 14th May. The event, focused on balancing career ambition, personal life and wellbeing, is generously supported by Tattersalls, York Racecourse and RWK Goodman. The Summit brings together industry professionals and changemakers from across horseracing and beyond and WiR is thrilled to announce the powerhouse panel for this year’s event, which promises inspiring discussion, candid insights and essential networking opportunities.
Meet the Panel
Lisa O’Keefe MBE
A former international sportswoman, Lisa is a passionate advocate for women’s sport with over 15 years Senior Leadership experience in the sport and physical activity sector. She previously worked at Sport England as Executive Director of Sport and latterly Executive Director of Insight. Lisa’s achievements include redesigning Sport England’s approach to investing in National Governing Bodies of Sport, the creation of the award-winning Insight Directorate, and the globally recognised This Girl Can campaign. As Secretary General of IWG Women & Sport, Lisa also has responsibility for leading the Secretariat of IWG whilst hosted in the United Kingdom through to September 2026.
Rishi Persad
A popular and highly accomplished sports presenter, Rishi has represented a number of major television companies including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Rishi has led some of the most high-profile events around the world covering golf, cricket, snooker, tennis and has represented the BBC at the last five Olympic Games. Horseracing remains where his heart is, and Rishi is an integral member of the talent teams at both ITV Racing and Racing TV and a Trustee of the Racing Foundation.
Julia Tyson
As Former Chief HR Officer at Lloyd’s of London, and now Chair of the Horseracing Industry People board, Julia is an experienced executive director. Julia has developed and delivered successful people, change and culture programmes across multiple sectors over a 40-year career. Her latest focus is building a portfolio of non-executive director roles centered on skills and culture development, along with coaching and mentoring HR Directors.
Joanna Mason
Joanna is a familiar face in the weighing room as a Yorkshire-based Professional Flat jockey. Playing a key part in the David and Michael Easterby Racing team, Joanna is one of the north of England’s leading jockeys and has ridden winners in the International Challenge in Saudi Arabia and the Shergar Cup. Joanna has an MSc in Sports Nutrition and can speak with authority on career progression, resilience and opportunity in racing.
The panel will be hosted by renowned racing journalist and broadcaster Vanessa Ryle, a long-time contributor to Sky Sports Racing.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation – book your tickets on the link below. The early bird discount is available until Monday 28th April.
The Women in Racing Summit starts before racing. The event features keynote speeches, interactive panel sessions, Q&A opportunities, and networking with industry professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the fantastic backdrop of action at York Racecourse on Tattersalls Musidora Stakes Day. Whether you’re already working in racing, passionate about sport, or exploring career opportunities, this summit is an essential date for your calendar.
A full timetable will be published shortly, including a section on WiR’s flagship parenthood programme Racing Home.
Book your ticket here
For questions, press enquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: lucy.gurney@womeninracing.co.uk