This week the BHA announced its updated Human Welfare Strategy and action plan to make racing a safer, more supportive and more respectful environment for all. Women in Racing would like to acknowledge and support the research published by Dr Eleanor Boden PHD, press release from the BHA and the accompanying safeguarding strategy.
We know there are experiences of our members and the women we represent within this research, as well as those outside of our membership, and feel a responsibility to them to ensure that this behaviour is treated with zero tolerance in racing and of course in wider society, and that racing, as a collective is accountable in its needs to drive culture change, to prevent this happening to our current and future workforce.
While we know this is also a wider issue in society, we are determined to support and promote a positive change to the sport’s culture for the current workforce and generations to come.
If you need help, support or witness or experience any unacceptable behaviour, please report it to respect@britishhorseracing.com, or call the BHA’s confidential reporting service, RaceWISE on 08000 852 580.
If you need any additional support Racing Welfare’s helpline is available 24/7 on 0800 6300443.
If you are struggling with juggling a career in racing with parenthood Racing Home¹ is a portal that provides information on your rights and entitlements and resources for assistance.
¹Women in Racing is aware of the struggles of parenthood within the horseracing industry’s workforce. The Racing Home portal launched in July 2022, provides online industry focused information and education around parenthood and parental rights for both the employee and employer. Racing Home is for all parents, working anywhere in the sport and can be accessed at: https://racinghome.org.uk