13 December 2023 , 17:24
524
0
The BHA has apologised “unreservedly” to victims of sexual misconduct, bullying and discrimination as it launched a new strategy to foster a culture of respect in horse racing.
BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith said there was no place in the sport for any behaviour which makes people feel “inferior, inadequate or excluded” following a spate of cases.
Since 2018 the BHA has investigated over 350 safeguarding and human welfare concerns, the most complex of which involved serious sexual offences.
This evidence was reinforced by a separate five year study by Durham University's Dr Eleanor Boden of 140 women employed in the industry.
This found examples of sexual misconduct and gender stereotypes which went unchallenged or were treated as ‘banter’ and attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood which proved a barrier to career progression.
Greggs, Costa & Pret coffees have 'huge differences in caffeine', says report
The BHA has adopted Boden’s recommendations within an updated safeguarding and welfare strategy including an action plan to better protect the workforce.
Saumarez Smith said: “We have long stated that ‘racing is everyone’s sport’, but the findings from Dr Boden’s report and the data and evidence underpinning the wider strategy demonstrate that this has not always been the case. Horse racing has at times fallen short and let people down.
“On behalf of British racing, I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has experienced harm and behaviour that is unacceptable. We are sorry and we will work determinedly to put this right.
“There is no place in British racing for sexual misconduct, bullying or any form of discrimination or conduct that makes people feel inferior, inadequate or excluded.”