9/4 SAXON WARRIOR

THE Diversity in Racing steering group say that parts of horseracing are “out of kilter with modern British society”.

Back in 1972 Dick Francis said: ”Jump racing is as physically wrong for girls as boxing. I would deny them equal right to cripple their limbs or disfigure their faces.”

Views have shifted since then, but change has come at a rate on par with the average vending machine.

There’s still a significant gender pay gap in racing, there’s only a small percentage of women board members across racing and there are still too few female jockeys.

The BHA intend to create a new Head of Diversity and Inclusion role.

It also aims to carry out research as to how racing can attract diverse audiences more effectively.

Progress is being made.