New mentoring scheme hailed 'a game-changer' for neurodiverse people seeking employment in racing

Autism In Racing has announced a mentoring programme that will help neurodiverse people to obtain jobs in racing.

Founder Bobby Beevers, whose main role is raceday presenting, is behind the mentoring idea, which is being supported by the organisation’s ambassador William Buick.

Autism In Racing has also announced that Goodwood has become the latest course to add a ‘sensory room’ to its raceday facilities.

Vanda Latchford, formerly of the National Autistic Society, has been appointed to run the mentoring scheme and will help with job opportunities, job applications, CVs, covering letters and general support.

Beevers said: “It's absolutely fantastic that we've managed to get this mentoring programme off the ground and in my opinion it's an absolute game-changer. It's going to offer an incredible amount of support for people who are autistic who want to work in our sport and it's also going to help employers. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I approached Vanda about the opportunity to work for Autism In Racing and she jumped at the chance."

Latchford said: "I'm extremely excited to be working with Autism In Racing's mentoring programme and hope to make a difference for the many autistic people seeking employment in the industry. With the development of the mentoring programme we can help autistic young people into work where they can demonstrate their passion for the horseracing industry and bring their enthusiasm, strengths and skills to employers.

"We’re also keen to support employers in working with autistic employees so they can get the best performance out of them. Many autistic people are keen to work and make a real difference, and they have much to offer employers willing to embrace inclusivity. The UK racing industry offers a wide and diverse range of careers catering to all kinds of skills, interests and qualifications."

Beevers said 2025 promised to be a big year for Autism In Racing. He added: "There are more than 50 autism-friendly days scheduled, up from around 30 last year, with more tracks coming on board every week. The whole of the sport is really getting behind it now and it's great to see."

Goodwood's sensory room will be available from its first meeting of the season on May 2, and Beevers said: "We are excited to be working with Goodwood. They approached me last year about this and I'm delighted they have come on board."

Bobby Beevers: says 2025 will be a big year for Autism In Racing

James Crespi, racecourse director at Goodwood said: “We are delighted to be opening a sensory room for 2025. Working closely with Autism In Racing, we will be providing a calming, quiet space for the vast majority of our racedays for those who need it. This marks an exciting step for us, making the racecourse more accessible and we hope this encourages more people to be able to enjoy horseracing.”

Dual champion jockey Willam Buick, who was appointed official ambassador to Autism In Racing in 2023, has given both initiatives the thumbs-up. He said: “As an ambassador for Autism In Racing I was delighted to hear there will be more than 50 racedays which will be autism-friendly this year. It's great to see Goodwood coming on board. This is a beautiful track and one I love to ride at, and I am certain to be there this summer."

Buick, whose eldest son Thomas is autistic, added: "Also the launch of the mentoring programme is quite exceptional and will prove invaluable for people who are autistic to adapt successfully to a career in racing."

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