Balancing parenthood with working in horseracing

Earlier this week, Women in Racing, with support from the Racing Foundation, Kindred Group and their flagship brand Unibet, announced the launch of the ‘Racing Home’ portal, www.racinghome.org.uk, a brand new online portal educating and empowering racing’s employers, employees and self-employed.

The organisations have come together to launch racing’s first motherhood/parenthood portal as part of their ongoing project to educate and empower all stakeholders within the horseracing industry. Working parents, in particular women and those thinking about starting a family, can face significant challenges within horseracing. Employers, employees and those who are self-employed will have easy access to information about rights and entitlements regarding pregnancy, maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, flexible working, self-employment and statutory pay.

Users of the portal will also find an ‘Advice and Support’ section which demonstrates examples of good working practices and provides advice both employers and employees can take into consideration. This includes information around supporting carers, flexible and family-friendly working, remote and agile working, mental health and wellbeing and returning to work amongst other topics.

Also launching as part of the project is a ‘Pilot Programme’ which will deliver guidance for mothers returning to riding work post pregnancy. Working with ‘Specialist Rehabilitation Physios’, participants will be offered free physical, psychological and emotional support in Newmarket, Middleham and Malton as part of the pilot, with the objective to run this programme nationally within the year.

Additionally, the ‘Racing Home’ project is debuting a series of insightful podcasts hosted by equine vet and podcast producer Naomi Mellor. Hosted on Spotify and Apple Music, Naomi will be talking to trainers, jockeys, experts, and a host of the sport’s decision makers about their stories and experiences and how together we can shape a positive future for all families in horseracing.

To learn more: www.racinghome.org.uk