25th November 2021

Quiet canters for many this morning, Tea Clipper, Scipion, Adrimel, Sweet Spirit, Glory and Fortune and Dorking Boy all had a little blow on the hill. 

I was just flicking through the Racing Post to read previews of the weekend and came across an article written by Maddy Playle. I was drawn to it as the John Francome’s name was mentioned. She talks about accessibility in racing. Racing has never been more accessible, if you don’t have a job in this country, you do not want one. You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. She talks about Khadijah Mellah, I know what Khadilah achieved, and I know they made a film about her. Does anyone know where she is working now. If so, I’d be fascinated to know. So many are just paying lip service to accessibility and diversity in racing. I have employed people from all over the world. I have no issues with the colour of their skin, sexuality or religion. Those in power need to concentrate from the bottom up, they can do all they want but if we can not get work riders to be considered skilled workers and allowed to enter the country, they need not worry about anything else. There will simply be no staff to bring the horses to the ever-increasing number of race meetings. Every yard is relying on their core staff members day in day out. It is the same faces at the races seven days a week. Maddy writes about attracting talent from a diverse range of backgrounds and getting them into managerial roles within the industry. It appears, those with a more diverse background are not interested in working in the industry at a managerial level. I’ve been reading the same old for too long now. She references other sports, I’ve not seen too many premier league footballers playing that can’t kick a ball, I think she would find the clearing out of young footballers if they don’t make the grade is brutal, as it is with many other sports.  I admire Khadijah Mellah, it took a lot of courage to do what she did and I enjoyed following her story. She’s done more good than harm for the industry but I’ve also seen her ride. She will not make a living out of riding racehorses. I’m fascinated to know where she is now, probably Hollywood. Perhaps, given her experience within the industry she could fill one of those managerial roles?  I will wait with interest to see what John Francome had to say over a cuppa, I do hope it is more interesting than accessibility in racing. 

Tea Clipper and Neville’s Cross head to Newbury tomorrow, to read my thoughts click here.