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British race directors apologized to anyone who “experienced unacceptable behavior” after revealing they had investigated more than 350 safety and welfare concerns since 2018.
Almost half of the reports involved sexual misconduct or bullying.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has promised to address the problem.
It has introduced an updated strategy in what it described as a “turning point” for the sport.
“Racing is not immune to issues such as bullying and sexual misconduct and I know that for women in particular it has often been easier to keep their heads down and suffer in silence,” said BHA chief executive Julie Harrington.
“I am truly sorry to hear stories of bullying, sexual misconduct and in some cases serious sexual abuse. This has no place in British racing or society as a whole.”
“It is the responsibility of everyone in our sport to remedy the situation. I believe we are already seeing a cultural shift where people are feeling more confident to speak their minds.”
“This is difficult and requires enormous courage and we must create an environment where unacceptable behavior is spoken out and those who are being harmed are given the opportunity to come forward.”
Of the more than 350 safeguarding reports to the BHA in the last five years, 22% were about bullying and 26% were about sexual misconduct. Of the latter, 41% involved sexual assault, rape or attempted rape.
Exact numbers and how many reports were verified were not disclosed.
Harrington's comments coincided with the publication of an updated BHA strategy as well as a doctoral thesis on gender inequalities in racing by Dr. Eleanor Boden from Durham University.
Their study, part-funded by the Racing Foundation, examined the personal experiences of 140 women employed in the industry and the results suggested that:
- Sexual misconduct and gender stereotypes can go unchallenged or be accepted as a “joke.”
- Attitudes toward pregnancy and motherhood can be a barrier to professional development, especially in roles that are more equine-related
- Some young women have felt the need to leave the industry because they don't believe they belong or have the opportunity to fulfill their potential
BHA chairman Joe Saumarez Smith said he had apologized “unreservedly” on behalf of British racing to those who suffered harm or unacceptable behavior.
“We have long stated that 'racing is everyone's sport,'” but the insights from Dr. Boden’s report and the data and evidence underlying the wider strategy show that this has not always been the case,” he said.
“Horse racing has sometimes fallen short and let people down.”
The BHA says its strategy “sets out immediate and longer-term objectives to ensure a safe, respectful and pleasant working environment for all, with the highest standards of behavior and free from any form of abuse”.
- Improved protection and human welfare education for industry leaders, employers and employees, with specific training on sexual abuse and misconduct.
- Refine reporting mechanisms, simplify existing referral processes and ensure appropriate support for those reporting allegations
- Improving concern management so that cases are handled effectively, sensitively, timely and in line with regulators' best practices
- Creating a network of Respect in Racing Champions – role models who can help influence, inform, support and provide confidential advice to others
- An industry-wide awareness campaign to increase understanding of what sexual misconduct is, why it is unacceptable and what to do if it occurs
- Make the most of the latest data and research to identify, better understand and respond to emerging risks and trends. This will also include further research exploring the lived experience of people working in British racing.
Anyone in racing who needs help or support or witnesses or experiences unacceptable behavior can report it to [email protected] or call the BHA's confidential reporting service, RaceWISE, on 08000 852 580.
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