Sport shows its support for inclusivity

RAINBOW saddlecloths will be on display before today’s big-race highlights, the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase and the Unibet Becher Handicap Chase, as racing showcases its support for the LGBT+ community and its commitment to making the sport inclusive to all.

The saddlecloths are just one initiative taking place at the five tracks hosting fixtures in Britain.

Jockeys are being encouraged to wear rainbow armbands, while staff and spectators will be offered rainbow pin badges to show support and spark conversation.

Racing is Everyone’s Sport has teamed up with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces for a second year, while the sport’s campaign this year included Great British Racing bringing together jockeys Jack Duern and Josephine Gordon to discuss Duern’s experience of coming out in 2013 and the importance of inclusivity and support for the LGBT+ community.

David Letts, chair of Racing With Pride and member of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group, said: “It’s fantastic to see racing once again joining the wider sporting community in celebration of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces initiative.

“Racing is Everyone’s Sport provides an opportunity for horseracing to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to LGBT+ inclusion on a public stage and to reflect on the progress that has already been made in this area.

“The importance of visibility cannot be underestimated, and Racing With Pride is proud to work alongside Great British Racing on this awarenessraising campaign as part of our ongoing work to support the sport’s LGBT+ community.”

Racing With Pride was formed last year and is the official LGBT+ network for British racing. The group has held several well-attended webinars this year, while also conducting LGBT+ inclusion and awareness e-learning training for the racing industry.