On Friday 6 March, WiR hosted a free webinar exploring the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” and what it means for women in the racing industry.
The panel was hosted by Samantha Martin and featured Baroness Dido Harding (Senior Steward at the The Jockey Club), Sarah Guest (Assistant Trainer and 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Employee of the Year), and Lydia Heywood (international event rider and founder of Cool Ridings).
Together, they explored what leadership means to them, what they have learned from those who have given their time, resources and experience to support them, and how they seek to pass that knowledge and support on to others in their current roles.
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.
A free Zoom Webinar to reflect on last year and look forward to the year ahead at our Annual General Meeting. Featuring a panel discussion to launch WiR’s latest research supported by FDJ United, Racing Home: Menopause, midlife and well-being in horse racing.
Key details:
-Wednesday 25 February
-12 noon
-Free Zoom Webinar
Women in Racing is delighted to announce its panellists ahead of this year’s AGM webinar. The panel discussion coincides with the launch of Menopause, Midlife and Wellbeing in Horseracing, WiR’s latest commissioned research undertaken by Dr Kate Clayton Hathway as part of the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice at Oxford Brookes University. The research is funded by FDJ United (Unibet) and delivered by Simply Racing.
Dr Kate Clayton Hathway
Dr Kate Clayton-Hathway is an Associate Researcher with the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice at Oxford Brookes Business School. She led the 2017 diversity study for the horseracing industry, the Racing Home research in 2019/20 and most recently the 2025 Menopause, Midlife & Wellbeing project. She has extensive experience in qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups and co-production. Her specialism is gender and equalities-related organisational issues, with a focus on promoting progressive institutional change. Kate continues to work closely with Women in Racing and Simply Racing to implement recommendations from these studies, advising on research, data collection and impact measures.
Helen Knight
Helen Knight is currently working, as part of the Industry People Team, leading on the Wellbeing and Culture change programme within the Horse Racing Industry. Helen has worked within many safety critical industries, including construction and oil and gas, designing and developing their Occupational Health and Wellbeing Strategies, ensuring that they are data and evidence-based, to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of colleagues who work on the front-line. Helen recognises, that by tackling the root cause of what is causing both, poor Mental and Physical health and putting measures in place to actively reduce risk, that this leads to a better outcome for both colleague and industry alike, creating a healthier, safer and more positive working environment.
Andrea O’Keeffe
Andrea O’Keeffe is a Racing Industry Consultant and Director of a small family-run Racehorse Training Business, with over 25 years of lived experience in British Horseracing. Passionate about horses, people and the sport, Andrea currently works for the BHA as part of the Horseracing Industry People Board team, collaborating with colleagues to advance projects in education and training. Andrea contributes to the work of Racing Home, is a proud Board Trustee of Racing to School and Racing Together. Andrea was honoured to receive the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Community Award in 2019. As a WiR member, Andrea champions the brilliant work of WiR and the many racing organisations and charities improving the lives of people and horses. Andrea is a Yorkshire-based Mum to three wonderful young men and wife of a talented, hard working racehorse trainer Jedd.
The panel will be hosted by Dena Merson:
Dena has built a varied career spanning the City and the racing industry, and is the Founder of Simply Racing. She has worked closely with CEOs, Boards and senior executives across racing, focusing on leadership, governance, strategy and cultural change. She devised the Women in Racing mentoring programme and has worked closely with organisations and individuals navigating complex structural, wellbeing, and inclusion challenges. Increasingly, she has focused on women’s health, and the impact of life transitions on performance, retention, and leadership. She is committed to improving education, awareness, and practical support within racing, advocating for evidence-based guidance and open dialogue to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces for all.
What to Expect at the AGM
Hear latest updates and key information from the WiR Committee on progress of our key objectives, the Racing Home programme and the launch of Racing Home: Menopause, midlife and well-being in horse racing.
The Zoom session will include:
-Welcome from the Chair
-Updates from the Committee
-Panel discussion from those closest to the industry-leading menopause research
This free webinar is available to all, regardless of gender or WiR membership.
Join us at the WiR Annual General Meeting
A free Zoom Webinar to reflect on last year and look forward to the year ahead at our Annual General Meeting.
Featuring a panel discussion to launch WiR’s latest research supported by FDJ United, Racing Home: Menopause, midlife and well-being in horse racing.
Key Details:
– Wednesday 25 February
– 12 noon
– Free Zoom Webinar
What to Expect:
Hear latest updates and key information from the WiR Committee on progress of all our key objectives, the Racing Home programme and the launch of Racing Home: Menopause, midlife and well-being in horse racing.
– A Welcome from the Chair
– Updates from the Committee
– Panel discussion from those closest to the menopause research (panel to be announced in due course)
– Opportunities to ask questions throughout
This free webinar is available to all, regardless of gender or WiR membership.
A link to the event will be sent to attendees closer to the date.
The Racing Foundation is generously offering four WiR members a chance to attend the Racing Foundation Conference as a complimentary guest to take advantage of the packed agenda and industry networking opportunity.
Date: Thursday 2 October
Location: York Racecourse
This opportunity is intended to include women for whom the ticket price might be a barrier to attendance.
Simply email info@womeninracing.co.uk and share a short paragraph outlining your aspirations for what you’d particularly like to get out of attending. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.
Applications will close on 20th September and successful candidates will be notified shortly after.
We are delighted to announce the panel for the upcoming Women in Racing (WiR) event, “Wellbeing & Welfare: Human & Equine,” hosted by Godolphin at Dalham Hall Stud on Friday 13th June.
Five inspirational women will lead an engaging discussion on key topics including mental health, work-life balance, career progression, maternity, and menopause. The panel will explore how the racing industry can more effectively support, retain, and empower its female workforce.
Meet the Panel:
Lucy Attwood
Organisation Consultant and Coach
A values-driven leader with extensive experience in people strategy, individual and team development and coaching. particularly in the private sector and sports.
In 2024 I led the development of a long-term workforce strategy for British horseracing. I have held numerous leadership roles in human resources, as well as practicing as a coach and therapist and consultant in a variety of settings.
Prior to that I was the Head of the Human Resources function at Godolphin for ten years, during a period of significant transformation, My earlier career includes various HR management roles across fintech, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and pre-clinical research.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, I hold a BSc in Psychology and several professional qualifications including therapeutical counselling, and organisational development.
Human development and wellbeing has been at the heart of my professional life, and I have sought to create environments where people can thrive.
I have held previous positions as a Trustee Board Member for the charity Suffolk Rape Crisis. I have a lifelong passion for horses and compete my own horse in dressage as well as being a fan of all types of equestrian and other sport.
Dawn Goodfellow
Dawn joined Racing Welfare as Chief Executive in 2015 from the Northern Racing College, where she had been CEO for the previous 8 years. Prior to that Dawn had been CEO of two different educational charities that specialised in creating awareness of rural Britain as a living and working environment.
On her work at Racing Welfare, Dawn comments “It is a privilege to work for an organisation that seeks to help people through the physical and mentally demanding challenges of the industry and live happy and sustainable lives”.
Dawn is passionate about both the personal and professional development of colleagues and helping people to reach their goals. Dawn has been a working single parent and is now a working grandparent, with the challenges and opportunities that provides!
Dena Merson
Dena, founder of Simply Racing, has extensive experience in coaching and mentoring in racing, working with individuals, boards and stakeholders across the sport. She devised and developed the original Women in Racing mentoring programme and more recently the Racing Home Programme.
A former Managing Director at Credit Suisse, Dena had a breeding and bloodstock business before starting her own executive coaching practice working with leaders in the City and focusing on working with women to develop the skillset, mindset and self-belief they need to thrive. She hopes to bring the lessons learned from her varied careers to the panel discussion.
Harriet Rochester Instagram: @age.like.a.badass
With over 25 years in communications across British racing and the wider equestrian world, I’ve led major campaigns focused on horse welfare, including designing National Racehorse Week and being a central part of the team behind HorsePWR. I’m also a former committee member of Women in Racing and served on the Diversity in Racing Steering Group.
I’m equally passionate about human wellbeing. As the founder of @age.like.a.badass, I’m on a philanthropic mission to build a community for women 40+ that champions strength, vitality, and ageing with purpose. I’m a firm believer that muscle is medicine, and an advocate for strength training as a foundation not just for longevity, but for showing up as your best self – physically, mentally, and professionally.
The Women in Racing Wellbeing and Welfare event brings together my two favourite topics: welfare and wellbeing, for both horses and humans. I hope to inspire others to take charge of their next chapter by seriously investing in their strength and vitality and to age with power, connection, and humour.
Simone Sear
‘Simone Sear is a certified Health & Wellbeing Coach, Workplace Wellbeing Consultant, and qualified Counsellor with over 25 years’ experience helping individuals and organisations build resilience, manage stress, and improve wellbeing. She spent 15 years delivering and leading welfare initiatives in British horseracing and was awarded the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Community Award in 2020 for her impact on industry wellbeing.
With a background in health research and a passion for preventative, people-centred support, Simone now runs her own coaching and consultancy practice and works as a Diabetes Prevention Practitioner for the NHS. She’s excited to be part of this important conversation and is looking forward to connecting with others who share a commitment to supporting women and wellbeing in racing.’
WiR lead for the event, Cheryl Caves said “This important event brings together voices from across the industry to shine a spotlight on the vital issues affecting women working in racing today. With wellbeing and welfare – both human and equine – at the heart of the conversation, the panel aims to inspire meaningful change and continued progress within the sport.”
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. N.B. Joanna’s participation is subject to her riding commitments.
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.
The Women in Racing Summit will take place at York Racecourse on Tattersalls Musidora Stakes Day, Wednesday 14th May, during the Dante Festival, hosted in partnership with York Racecourse and Tattersalls.
The event will explore the theme “Work, Life and Winning – balancing ambition, personal life and wellbeing”.
WiR Chair Lucy Gurney said: “This year’s theme explores a number of strands of our work including career progression, menopause, parenting and mentoring, to name just a few. I know the committee can’t wait to host this flagship event alongside our partners York Racecourse and Tattersalls and to welcome members and non members, our funders and partners to join us. As ever, our aim is to connect women from across the sport and collectively tackle issues affecting our female workforce.”
Key information:
The Women in Racing Summit will take place in the Knavesmire Boxes overlooking the home straight.
– Circa 10.30am – Guest arrival & breakfast
– 11.00am – Introduction and welcome followed by panel discussion hosted by Vanessa Ryle
– Event wrap up following by afternoon racing with cash bar service and you can use the Knavesmire boxes as your base for the afternoon
Panellist announcement and further details to follow in due course. The event will be an opportunity to learn more about Women in Racing programmes, including Racing Home which is generously funded by the Racing Foundation and Kindred.
Raceday admission badges are included in event price and can be collected on arrival.
Members and non-members, men and women are welcome. Discounted earlybird tickets are available until 28th April.
Jason Singh, Associate Director of Marketing at Tattersalls, said: “Tattersalls are delighted to be partnering with Women in Racing this year as the sponsor of their Summit at York racecourse on Tattersalls Musidora Stakes Day. At Tattersalls, we value the significant contributions of women in the racing industry and are pleased to support an event that brings women together to share their experiences and insights.”
Maiti Stirling, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager at York Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to be working with Women in Racing this year as the host venue for their Summit. As a workplace that has many female employees we are delighted that there is an offering for women in the industry to join together and share their experiences.”
Join us at 12.30pm on Wednesday 23rd October for our Annual General Meeting.
Hear latest updates and key information from the Women in Racing committee, and look ahead to future plans.
To include a panel discussion with the theme “On equal terms: women in racing through time”
An interactive exploration of the roles of women in British horseracing. Charting successes, changes over time, and opportunities for improvement.
Broadcaster Aly Vance will host the panel, including:
Ali Donnelly
Ali Donnelly is the CEO of More than Equal, an organisation dedicated to finding the first female Formula 1 world champion. She joined More than Equal with wide experience in sport, communications and marketing.
At Sport England she was an Executive Director, looking after marketing, communications, digital and innovation. In her time there, she led communications for some of the most high-profile moments in UK sport including the publication of the Whyte Review, which explored abuse in British Gymnastics, while she also oversaw major campaigns including the award winning This Girl Can which encourages women and girls to be more active.
Prior to this she held senior communications roles for the UK Government, where her positions included Deputy Official Spokesperson and Head of News for Prime Minister Theresa May at Downing Street and Head of News at HM Treasury.She has also held senior communications and marketing roles at Premiership rugby club Wasps and BBC.
She is heavily involved in women’s rugby in a variety of roles, including founding the award-winning website Scrumqueens.com and she has recently published the first book exploring the 100 years + history of the game. Ali started her career after graduating with a degree in politics, as a journalist at the Evening Echo newspaper in Ireland.
Dr Kate Clayton Hathway
Dr Kate Clayton-Hathway, is an Associate Researcher with the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice at Oxford Brookes Business School. She led both the 2017 diversity project for the horseracing industry and the 2020 Racing Home study. Kate’s research specialism is in gender equality within organisational structures, and she is particularly interested in promoting progressive institutional change. She is also an activist, and supports a women’s educational charity in Oxfordshire.
Lyndon Roberts
Lyndon Roberts is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience advancing diversity and inclusion within the sports industry. Throughout his career, he has championed initiatives that foster equity, representation, and inclusivity, particularly for women in sports. His insights have contributed to creating more inclusive environments across various sports governing bodies including football, rugby, netball and currently in motorsport. Lyndon brings an experience of Horseracing having been Head of D&I for 12 months at the BHA and a strong commitment to driving positive change in the sector.
Tara Warren
Tara is an Independent Non-Executive Director, at the British Horseracing Authority. Tara formally took up her appointment on 1 December 2023, having been acting in an observer capacity on the BHA Board since May 2023. Tara is an Executive Director and Board member at West Ham United Football Club. She has a strong commercial background and extensive experience in digital marketing. Tara leads the delivery of the club’s strategic and commercial priorities, including its broadcast rights, stadium and stakeholder management, domestic and international growth and digital and data functions. She is also the Director responsible for the club’s equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy. Tara is the BHA Board’s Diversity & Inclusion Champion.
A regular racegoer, prior to joining West Ham, Tara held a number of marketing, commercial and business development roles, including with estates management company, Savills UK, Romford-based shopping and leisure centre, The Brewery, and Morgan Stanley.
Panel discussion:
As a sport where female jockeys compete on equal terms with their male counterparts, British racing has been ahead of many other sports in terms of participation. Women are trailblazing at the highest levels competitively and in the boardroom and circa 70% of racing school intake is female. We ask – how can we better support and retain our female workforce, and strive to lead the sport industry in enabling women to succeed?
During the discussion our expert panellists will cover: progress and areas to celebrate, what are the gaps, how can the sport retain more of its female workforce and what are the issues? The panel will also explore Dr Eleanor Boden’s PhD research summary ‘Where did all the girls go?’, published in December 2023.
This free webinar is available to all, regardless of gender or WiR membership. Book your place here.
