'I’m blown away by what they've done for us' - William Buick and racehorse rock stars combine on 'awesome' Autism In Racing day

Lined up from left to right are Prince Bishop, Cross Counter, African Story and Colour Vision; a champion jockey chats away casually while photographer Edward Whitaker works his magic among a group of young adults, who are at ease yet engaged.

This moment was the climax of a special morning organised by Autism In Racing and Godolphin as part of National Racehorse Week on Wednesday, which was aimed at opening up racing to a wider audience.

The 20-strong group had stood bewitched, and windswept, on Warren Hill as thoroughbreds thundered by. They had then received a behind-the-scenes tour of Dalham Hall Stud, meeting champion stallion Dubawi and being charmed by the cheekiness of Modern Games.

But it was this moment, when a group of neurodiverse young adults were up close and personal at Godolphin Rehoming with the winners of over £13 million in prize-money, that it all came together. The horses munched carrots and revelled in the attention and affection, which the group were only too pleased to provide.

Anna Collins from Autism In Racing summed up the morning in one word. “Awesome,” she said. “Everyone is relaxed and engaged, no-one has had to put on their ear defenders or take some quiet time away. I’m blown away by what they have done for us.”

Autism can affect people differently but many struggle with noise, crowds and breaks in routine, or have social anxiety. It can be a misunderstood condition and the people with it undervalued, or underutilised, as a consequence.

Jane Buick (right) and Anna Collins of Autism In Racing on Warren HillCredit: Edward Whitaker

Formed in 2021, Autism In Racing has not only been working to provide greater accommodation for autistic people on racedays but to educate racing about autism and the opportunities that the sport can provide to those living with it.

Last year, champion jockey William Buick and his wife Jane became ambassadors for the charity. Their eldest son Thomas is autistic and has taken his parents on a journey they never expected but have fully embraced.

“It’s a privilege to be an ambassador for Autism In Racing and to see what they and Godolphin have done,” said William Buick. “You want to be able to raise awareness of autism with the general public and make them appreciate racing can be something for people on so many different levels. 

“What Godolphin and Autism In Racing are doing is providing such a good opportunity for people who are neurodiverse to get involved with horses and racing. It’s proven horses provide a connection with people. I know that Thomas finds his ponies and animals soothing and reassuring.”

William spoke about his and Jane's desire to grow the awareness of Autism In Racing, to harness the empathetic power of horses and to build a broader community within the sport. Through her work with the charity, Jane Buick has expanded her parental network and seen others benefit similarly.

“From a personal point of view, as a parent, Autism In Racing has helped with meeting people in a similar position,” she said. “It can be a lonely way of parenting, so it’s been hugely beneficial from that perspective.” 

Autism In Racing has partnered with several racecourses to provide sensory and quiet rooms on racedays that can be utilised by families and adults, allowing more people to experience racing. This year, 400 families have pre-registered to attend meetings across Britain.

“People follow each other,” William Buick said. “For a person to go out with a neurodiverse child it can be a challenge. Autism In Racing and Godolphin are helping to show that there are opportunities in racing, that it is a sport that is inclusive and aware.”

William Buick and Anna Collins of Autism In Racing with the jockey's Dubai World Cup winner Prince BishopCredit: Edward Whitaker

Those opportunities extend beyond going racing. After graduating from college, Louis Barnard, 21, had a placement at Aston Mullins Stud near Aylesbury and has dreams of being an auctioneer. His knowledge of pedigrees is encyclopaedic, and his room is packed with sales catalogues. Articulate and engaging, Barnard is aware of how people with autism are sometimes perceived.

“It’s difficult when you're young,” he said. “You want to be able to go out and work for the biggest places, but you have to work your way up. It is a case of working your backside off and as you do that people will appreciate what you are capable of doing and are able to do.”

Employers making “reasonable adjustments” is the key, according to Barnard’s mother Rachael, who added: “This is not an industry that is exclusive; it’s broad, and hopefully more employers will be appreciative of that. 

“It’s been wonderful today. When you have an autistic child not everybody takes you seriously. To come somewhere like this and for them to give you the time of day, to be open and engaged with you, it’s gold – it’s absolute gold.”

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