Di Farrell-Thomas reflects on Black History Month – Making a Difference Together.
While Black History Month (BHM) has come to an end, the dial needs to continue turning forward towards greater inclusion and recognition of black people in British racing, with collective, on-going efforts. We wanted to reflect on what’s being achieved and thank everyone who has supported BHM during October.
Great exposure across the racecourses
The Diversity in Racing Steering Group’s BHM campaign engaged a great number of people both on and off racecourses with the hero film, featuring Brian Finch, Ashleigh Wicheard and Callum Helliwell, being shown on screens at British Champions’ Day at Ascot, York’s final meetings of the year, and various other tracks across the month of October. In sharing personal stories and promoting accessible pathways into the sport for diverse communities, racegoers could connect to BHM.
More broadly, the film was shown on ITV racing, Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing, where Josh Apiafi presented a feature on Racing Trailblazers, highlighting and interviewing individuals who have paved the way for black representation in racing.
Role models see power of racing
Sharing his story, including the discrimination he has faced, was Corey Adamson who was the first black jockey to have a winner in the 1990s followed by a successful career in the sport. Magnolia Cup winning jockey Ashleigh Wicheard, who took the knee as a form of allyship before the race, and sports administrator and author Chris Grant reflected on how racing has the power to change lives. The Racing Trailblazers feature that is part of the Leading the Way series can be viewed here: Leading The Way | At The Races
Across social media, racing’s organisations and individuals shared messages with the hashtags #blackhistorymonth and #AllInTheRace. In the Racing Post, Jonathan Harding wrote about improvements in terms of diversity considerations for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and shared experiences of accolade winners James Frank and Freedom Zampaladus.
Proof sport is open to all
It’s often said: if you cannot see it, you cannot be it – from this perspective British racing will continue to highlight those who are achieving great things and breaking down barriers in the sport. We will follow, promote and celebrate the careers of those who are from a non-traditional racing background, such as young jockeys Kaiya Fraser and Tyrese Cameron. Last week Tyrese recorded his first win on only his fourth ride. It is fantastic to see Kanane Francis sharing his experiences of working in the racing industry with YouTuber ‘Riding With Rhi’. In his words ‘racing is a sport that anyone can get in to’. Aamilah Aswat is another rising star who was one of the first graduates of the Riding A Dream Academy. She has been appointed as Senior Trainee at the British Racing School – an honour that reflects her attitude, skill and support towards other trainees: Congratulations Aamilah! Riding A Dream graduate, 16, appointed as senior trainee at British Racing School – Your Horse.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported the All in the Race campaign throughout Black History month but we must not lose focus on striving for diversity all year round.
Further Resources and Reading:
- Diversity in Racing Steering Group’s Black History Month Hero Film: Black History Month 2022 – YouTube
- Black History Month: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/
- Runnymede Trust, leading race equality think tank: https://www.runnymedetrust.org/
- Sport England Equality and Diversity Report: https://www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/equality-and-diversity
- Racing Pathway: Racing Pathway – Inspiring a Diverse & Inclusive Generation into Racing
- Riding a Dream Academy: Riding Academy | Riding a Dream Academy
For further details please contact Naomi Howgate, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at nhowgate@britishhorseracing.com or +44(0)7425 156 344 or Diversity & Inclusion Project Manager Di Farrell-Thomas dfarrellthomas@britishhorseracing.com
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