Failing to support midlife women in workplace risks loss ‘industry can ill afford’

Failing to support women working in racing through midlife and menopause risks losses that “the industry can ill afford”, new research has highlighted.

Networking organisation Women in Racing commissioned a study into how perimenopause, menopause and midlife – “a period that intersects with career progression, caring responsibilities and issues around long-term workforce sustainability” – overlap with working in horseracing. Its aim was to outline practical, achievable steps to better support and retain experienced women in the industry.

The independent research was led by Kate Clayton-Hathway, of the centre for diversity policy research and practice at Oxford Brookes University, and funded by FDJ United (Unibet). It follows Women in Racing’s Racing Home report, published in 2020, which examined motherhood and working in racing.

“Menopause and midlife are a normal part of women’s working lives, yet too often remain invisible,” said Dr Clayton-Hathway.

“Experienced midlife women are vital to the future of horseracing, but without recognition and support menopause can become a quiet exit point. Our findings show that small cultural and workplace changes can make a meaningful difference to retention and long-term wellbeing.”

The research involved seven workshops and 19 in-depth interviews, and featured contributions from 77 people (69 women and eight men), from early career to experienced professionals.

Poorly supported menopause symptoms

The study noted that in the general workforce (not exclusively racing), women over the age of 50 are the fastest-growing segment and that other research has shown that poorly supported perimenopause and menopause symptoms “are linked to reduced working hours, missed career opportunities and women leaving employment altogether”.

“Horseracing depends heavily on experienced staff whose knowledge is built over decades. Retaining these women is therefore not only a wellbeing issue, but a strategic priority for the future of the industry,” it stated.

Participants reported many symptoms including fatigue, sleep disruption, cognitive changes, temperature regulation difficulties and emotional strain. Many discussed the tendency to “power through” in silence. Pockets of good practice do exist in the industry, the study found, but support varies widely.

The research highlighted that many of the recommended adjustments are low cost and practical. For example, improved access to facilities, temperature regulation, flexible approaches where feasible and clearer communication around rights and available support.

It sets out short, medium and longer-term actions, which include: developing a core education package, integrating menopause awareness into licensing and CPD (continuing professional development) pathways, enhanced guidance on workplace policies and reasonable adjustments, and more resources at the Racing Home portal.

Menopause: not an exceptional issue

Two major overarching messages are that “midlife women in horseracing demonstrate exceptional resilience, capability and commitment” and that “menopause should not be treated as an isolated or exceptional issue”.

“Instead, midlife health and menopause awareness should be embedded within a broader, whole-life approach to wellbeing and career longevity,” states the study, noting that this would help normalise bodily change and reduce pressure on individuals to disclose personal experiences.

“This includes education and support around nutrition, fitness, injury prevention, recovery and long-term physical maintenance – areas already recognised as good practice within the sport.”

It added: “Midlife women represent a critical asset in horseracing, holding deep knowledge that underpins high standards of animal care, training consistency and collective experience.

“Losing experienced women has implications not only for individual wellbeing, but for mentoring capacity, workforce continuity and future recruitment. Considering their needs is not special treatment, but a proportionate and sensible investment in safety, performance and long-term sustainability.

“Without structured recognition and support, experienced women may conclude that leaving the industry is easier than continuing to cope – a loss the industry can ill afford.”

A landmark moment

Former Women in Racing chair Lucy Gurney said the study “represents a landmark moment for our sport”.

“Acknowledging menopause and midlife is not about special treatment; it is about understanding, inclusion and creating working environments where people can thrive,” she said.

“This study marks the beginning of open conversation, up-to-date policy and practical action – ensuring that British horseracing leads the world and wider sport. Menopause is a normal part of life after all.”

Incoming Women in Racing chair Cheryl Caves encouraged the industry to share reflections, adding that the team “looks forward to taking the recommendations forward to inform our future work”.

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