Oliver Barnard, Racing Media Academy graduate and Racing Post intern, reflects on how cross-sport collaboration and accessibility could shape the future of racing following this year’s Industry Day

I’m Oliver Barnard, and I joined the racing industry in May 2025 as an intern at the Racing Post after graduating from the Racing Media Academy, a fantastic initiative whose ultimate goal is to make the racing media more inclusive, dynamic and accessible for the next generation.

Being part of that programme, I have seen first-hand the difference it can make. However, as the founder of the Racing Media Academy, Josh Apiafi, said back in October following the launch of a film titled The Enduring Race, there is still more that needs to be done.

Oliver Barnard joins Racing Media Academy Alumni as part of the programme

Reflections from Industry Day

At the Racing Together Industry Day it was fantastic to see so many bodies from across the industry come together, which in itself is an acknowledgement that the racing world recognises there is more work to be done in this area. The day attracted a record number of sign-ups and more under-25 delegates than the previous three Industry Days.

I also spoke with John Blake, the chief executive of Racing Together, about how recognising the importance of EDI was already a topic of conversation three or four years ago. I was not working in the racing industry at that time, but it reflects a wider issue beyond racing: EDI was talked about, yet not always followed by specific action. We discussed how, despite those conversations some years ago, the issue has at times slipped under the radar.

That made it all the more positive to see the discussions taking place at the Industry Day, and to hear perspectives from speakers outside the sport. One of the standout talks came from Vickii Cornborough, who specifically focused on women in the workplace. Her reflections resonated across different areas of the racing industry, and as someone whose story I was not overly familiar with beforehand, it was particularly interesting to hear from her.

Vickii Cornborough delivers a keynote speech at Racing Together Industry day 2026

Cross-sport perspectives

My personal highlight was the keynote speech from Lisa Wainwright, chief executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance. She highlighted the importance of volunteering, authenticity and EDI, while urging racing to continue the work already being done in those areas.

She shared some wonderful stories which meant that, no matter who was attending the conference, there was something to learn and something to take inspiration from. It reinforced the idea that anyone present could make a difference to racing, regardless of the position they held within the sport.

Lisa Wainwright speaking at the Racing Together Industry Day 2026

Connecting people through Industry Day

That is why days like this are so important. Journalists can speak with stable staff, charity leaders can learn from younger people who represent the future of the sport, and people from different parts of the industry can exchange ideas that might not otherwise meet.

As Wainwright said: “Inclusion, belonging, EDI – it doesn’t matter too much what you call it, as long as you ensure people have access to the same opportunities. The power of connections is important. You have some great connections within racing, but you may also have connections outside the sport that you can use.”

Rose Grissell speaking at the Racing Together Industry Day 2026

Driving change across the sport

From a racing perspective, one of the key positives was the BHA launching a new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy after admitting that “progress has been uneven” in this department.

Called All in the Race, it represents a clear and ongoing commitment by the sport to create an environment that is inclusive, safe and welcoming for everyone who works in, or participates in, racing.

Rose Grissell, who delivered the speech outlining the strategy, also reflected on the success stories that emerge when EDI receives proper attention. Initiatives aimed at widening access to the sport include Autism in Racing, the Racing Media Academy, the Riding A Dream Academy and Racing With Pride.

For example, that impact could be seen last month when Aamilah Aswat made history by becoming the first female Black jockey to win a jumps race, reflecting what is possible when talent meets opportunity.