Racing Home
Racing Home is a pioneering support initiative in the UK horse racing industry, created by Women in Racing and funded by the Racing Foundation. Its mission is to support, educate, and empower working parents and carers, especially women, across all roles in the racing and breeding sector—from jockeys and stable/stud staff to trainers and office workers.
Key Goals and Activities
- Support for Parenthood: Offers guidance on maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and flexible working.
- Resources for Employers and Employees: Provides legal advice, best practices, and transparent recommendations to help employers retain talent and support staff.
- Post-Pregnancy Rehabilitation: Includes physiotherapy, fitness plans, and strength training to help mothers return to physical work safely.
- Awareness and Education: Hosts podcasts, videos, and workshops to break taboos around parenting and caring in racing.
- Online Portal: A central hub at racinghome.org.uk with accessible information for both employees and employers.
Background and Research
The initiative was born out of a research project led by Women in Racing, Oxford Brookes University, and Simply Racing. The findings highlighted the challenges faced by working mothers—such as guilt, isolation, and lack of support—and emphasized the need for structural and cultural change in the industry.
Why It Matters?
With over 50% of the racing workforce being women, Racing Home aims to make the industry more inclusive and sustainable by:
- Reducing talent loss due to family-related pressures.
- Encouraging open conversations about parenting.
- Promoting diversity and mental wellbeing.