Racing-Foundation funded Diversity in Racing Steering Group publish update

19 Dec 2022

The Racing-Founded funded Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG) have released their Annual Update for 2022 which highlights the sport’s progress on diversity and inclusion. 

The Group, which was formed in 2017 and is run as an independent voluntary body, brings together diversity and inclusion advocates from across the sport who contribute a range of skills and expertise. 

The aim of the Group is for racing to be a diverse and inclusive sport where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and where fans from all communities feel welcome. 

Some of the successes celebrated in the report include Brian Finch’s appointment as Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse, the first Black person to hold such a senior position within the sport, and Ashleigh Wicheard taking the knee as a statement against racism at Goodwood before winning the Magnolia Cup. 

Alongside industry developments, the Group also highlighted the increased sign ups to the Diversity and Inclusion Commitment, taking the total to 30, alongside the Industry’s first mark of Black History Month, something that “we must build on” according to Chair of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group Susannah Gill.

“2022 has proved to be another year of progress,” said Gill. 

“A notable highlight for the Diversity in Racing Steering Group being the launch of the first ever diversity media campaign for British racing, All in the Race, which will continue to be the central message for our work, supported by stakeholders across the sport.” 

Alongside the work of the DiRSG, there are a number of excellent initiatives opening up British racing to new participants and fans, many of which are funded by the Racing Foundation. 
Some of these include the Riding a Dream Academy, Racing Pathway, The Pony Racing Authority, Racing to School, Autism in Racing and National Racehorse Week. 

“Diversity and inclusion is crucial to the survival of British Racing,” said Rob Hezel, the Foundation’s Chief Executive. 
“The Racing Foundation is proud to fund the work of the DiRSG, which orchestrated a number of initiatives and moments to celebrate in 2022. 
“The Foundation recognises that as an industry we have a lot of work yet to do in order to be truly representative of society and looks forward to seeing further progress made by the passionate and committed individuals that make up the DiRSG, as well as others, leading the way in diversity and inclusion in 2023.” 

Next year’s aims for the DiRSG cited in the report include raising awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion across the whole sport, better understanding British racing’s landscape and creating an inclusive sport for all.