New Jockey Matters films released focusing on respect & inclusion in the weighing room

As part of the Jockey Matters film series, JETS and the PJA have today released a new film entitled ‘Respect and What We Say’ which follows the recent implementation of an industry Code of Conduct.  A second film focusing on Inclusion will be released on Thursday.  Both films feature a conversation between a group of five Flat and Jump jockeys, hosted by Hayley Moore, and with advice from Inclusion expert, Chris Gibbons.

Today’s film focuses on the type of language used in the weighing room, how jockeys conduct themselves with each other and what everyone can do to ensure others feel respected.  It also signposts support for anyone who is affected by behaviour that may fall short of the agreed standards.

Thursday’s film entitled ‘Inclusion and What We Can Do’ looks at what more jockeys can do to celebrate difference and help create a more inclusive and diverse environment so everyone, regardless of their gender, sexuality or ethnic background, feels welcomed into racing.

The making of these films form part of the PJA and JETS action plans within the Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment and, along with the industry wide Respect in Racing campaign, reflects racing’s collective ambition to promote the highest standards of behaviour and a culture of respect. 

JETS Manager, Lisa Delany, said:

“We are very grateful to the jockeys who took part in this filming and the education session with Chris Gibbons beforehand.  It is clear that jockeys generally show a great deal of respect towards each other and have an inclusive attitude but there is certainly more education to be done in this area which will benefit everyone.”

Ian McMahon, Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association said:

“Respect and inclusion are key values in society and we hope these films will be a useful catalyst for jockeys to continue the discussion about these issues between themselves.  Everyone in racing has a collective responsibility to uphold and continuously look to improve standards and we see jockeys playing an important role in this.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Respect and Inclusion films have been produced by JETS and the PJA and are supported by the Diversity in Racing Steering Group.  The jockeys who took part are David Bass, William Cox, Georgia Dobie, Martin Dwyer and Page Fuller.
2. Both films form part of the Jockey Matters series, an educational series covering a range of issues affecting jockeys.
3. Further details on JETS and the PJA and their actions relating to the Diversity & Inclusion Industry Commitment can be viewed here: http://www.jets-uk.org/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/  and here: https://www.thepja.co.uk/diversity-and-inclusion/
4. For more information about Respect in Racing visit: www.britishhorseracing.com/Respect
5. Link to Code of Conduct and Link to full details of Code of Conduct
6. Link to penalty structure
7. A full Q&A document around the Respect in Racing campaign and the Code of Conduct can be found here.
8. The initial statement regarding the formation of the Culture of Respect Working Party can be found here: British racing unites in commitment around industry conduct – The British Horseracing Authority.
9. The statement introducing the representatives of the Culture of Respect Working Party can be found here: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/industry-united-in-bid-to-improve-british-racings-culture-of-respect/.
10. Chris Gibbons runs Inside Inclusion, helping businesses thrive through diversity and inclusion.