BRITISH racing will introduce a new code of conduct in the wake of the bullying scandal that rocked the sport.
Jockey Robbie Dunne was banned for 18 months last week after an independent disciplinary panel found he had bullied Bryony Frost.
The sport’s leaders and various bodies have come together to issue a joint statement, outlining a plan of action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The new code will aim to deter poor behaviour and all forms of discrimination, while aiming to empower people to speak out if they are on the receiving end, or witness too, unacceptable conduct.
A working group will be formed to iron out the details of the new code of conduct, which could be introduced by the spring of 2022.
Among the bodies set to work alongside the BHA and Professional Jockeys Association are representatives for trainers, racecourses, owners, breeders and stable staff.
The statement read: “British racing is a diverse industry where individuals of varying identities and from a wide range of backgrounds work and compete side-by-side.
“It is a sport characterised by the shared values of camaraderie and conscientiousness which come hand-in-hand with working in an elite sport and the risks associated with working alongside our equine athletes.
“It is essential that horseracing remains a progressive, modern industry when it comes to the conduct of our people.
“We must prioritise the wellbeing and development of our workforce, stand against discrimination of any kind in British racing, and invest in making racing a safe, fulfilling place to work.
“Great progress has already been made by the industry in terms of improving standards around training, education, employment practices, wellbeing, safeguarding and career development, with the entire sport involved in making racing a better place to work.
“However, there is always more that can and must be done. We must encourage a culture of openness and seek to support anyone who faces problems or has found themselves in difficulty.
“We must promote a culture of respect in how those involved in racing interact with one another and promote more diversity and inclusion at all levels of the industry.
“The signatories to this statement, therefore, today publicly commit to further improve standards, education and training around industry conduct, through the formation of a dedicated cross-industry working party.”
The move comes after Bryony Frost spoke to SE earlier this week about her experiences during the bullying saga.
She was critical of the PJA for their lack of support and has called for change so that those in the weighing room feel able to speak out against poor behaviour.
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Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/chaos-as-first-and-second-placed-horses-are-disqualified-for-taking-wrong-course-and-third-past-post-is-named-winner
