“Racing is for all” is the message from Perth Racecourse as they partnered with Perthshire Pride to promote the track’s upcoming Pride Raceday.
The afternoon shindig on Saturday, June 24 takes place during June’s Pride Month, which is all about visibly demonstrating acceptance and inclusion, while raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBT+ community.
Perth Racecourse says the introduction of Pride Raceday supports wider efforts across UK racing to ensure it is a “truly inclusive sport”.
British racing’s ‘Diversity In Racing’ campaign aims to ensure racing is a diverse and inclusive sport in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and where fans from all communities feel welcome.
Within this Racing With Pride is British racing’s official LGBT+ network which offers a community for people to find support and camaraderie, as well as influence social change and promote a diverse and inclusive industry.
Perth’s Pride Raceday will help showcase these messages within the usual mix of racing and entertainment, with seven races throughout the afternoon and live music in the early evening.
Perth Racecourse director of operations, Morag Connaghan, said: “We are all looking forward to Pride Raceday and it was a pleasure to meet with Perthshire Pride ahead of the fixture to learn more about the issues they face and how we can all work together to tackle them.
“Racing for all is a message we are all proud to stand behind and we look forward to welcoming a crowd of all backgrounds, ages and interests to Pride Raceday to enjoy another thrilling afternoon of live sport together.”
Chair of Perthshire Pride, Jack Simpson, said there will be a “special guest celebrity” DJ performing at the inaugural event.
“Last year the racecourse reached out to us but unfortunately we could not collaborate as our [availability] clashed with one of their cup events,” he said.
“Then they were in contact with us quite early this year and it is a relationship we have had for a while.
“And this is the new idea that has come from that relationship.
“Pride Raceday is not really something any other racecourse does. It is like Ladies Day but for the LGBT community. It is an all inclusive day - to be proud of who you are.
“There will be drag queens on the day and it is looking like the weather is going to be amazing.”
Jack said some jockeys and their horses will be draped in the rainbow colours, with punters given the chance to pick the best dressed horse and best dressed jockey.
“It is more than a theme,” he explained. “It is really important to see that we are not that different from the rest of people.
“It is really important to have it in Pride Month.”
