Is there a limit to racing’s accessibility?

Join our expert panel, hosted by racing broadcaster Rishi Persad to explore how accessible racing is already as a sport, and examine if it is possible and feasible to be accessible to everyone. Our panellists will engage in a wide-ranging discussion, talking about current initiatives and what being accessible really means.Meet the Panel:Rory Palmer, Racing Together Subcommittee MemberRory is a former Labour Member of European Parliament and is currently Senior Policy, Public Affairs & Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Prior to becoming MEP, Rory was Deputy City Mayor in Leicester, and a city councillor for ten years. He has significant experience across local government and has served on a range of regional and national bodies. He was a Board Member for the hugely successful 2009 Special Olympics National Summer Games. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the Sports Think Tank, a trustee of a local food bank and was recently elected to the Executive Committee of the Fabian Society. Rory has had a keen interest in racing since his childhood and now enjoys days out at the races with his young family. Rory is a member of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group.Anna Sylvester, Manager Newmarket Pony AcademyThe Newmarket Pony Academy, based at the British Racing School, is a new community project designed to use horses and ponies to positively effect mental health and wellbeing for children in Newmarket. Despite being the headquarters of racing, Newmarket does not offer affordable access to children to learn, ride or look after these animals. Children see horses around Newmarket town and surrounding areas every day and the Newmarket Pony Academy is giving them access to horses, as well as valuable life skills under Anna’s supervision. Part of Anna’s role involves supporting the Khadijah Mellah Riding A Dream Academy, which focusses on providing access to racing for young people from urban areas.David Letts, Chair of Racing With Pride and a member of the Industry’s Diversity in Racing Steering GroupA graduate of the British Horseracing Authority’s Development Scheme, David’s subsequent Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA dissertation explored LGBT+ inclusion in British racing. David is currently undertaking a PhD to further develop the findings.Luke Howard, Community Accessibility Co-ordinator Arsenal in the CommunityLuke has been involved at Arsenal since 2011 in a variety of roles. Since 2014 he has been in charge of Arsenal in the Community’s Disability engagement programmes and then evolving the role to ensure accessibility standards across the entire football club. Luke has a passion for inclusivity and have a specific interest in Autism and other sensory processing needs, and sits on the steering group of Autism in Racing. Arsenal Football Club aims to transform the lives of young people through a variety of projects funded through The Arsenal Foundation. The Arsenal Foundation is a fundraising and grant-making organisation designed to grow the reach and effect of the programmes the Club supports to help an increasing number of young people across the globe fulfil their potential and help their communities thrive. The main focus of the work is through education projects, an area where Arsenal has made a difference over many years with community-led and charitable initiatives that motivate and engage young people using the power of the Arsenal name.