Mental health was a key focus topic during the 39th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Melbourne on Thursday (16 February) with Mr. Andrew Harding, Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Director, Racing calling for greater attention on the issue in the face of the significant demands placed on racing participants.

Chairing a session titled ‘The Mind,’ Mr. Harding said athletes from all disciplines had played a crucial role in building awareness around mental health wellbeing but more needs to be done.

“Athletes bring a unique perspective to the issue (mental health), living with constant pressure to perform at the highest level, regardless of what else might be happening in their lives.  They are simply expected to put it all aside and go out there and win.  Because that’s their job,” Mr. Harding said.

“But with depression or anxiety affecting over 5% of the population worldwide at some point in their lives, and suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds globally, it is critical that we all bring greater attention to these issues. 

“This is highly relevant for racing, a sport that places significant demands on its participants in what are often high-intensity, seven days a week jobs, year-round. 

“Jockeys, for one, face not just the unrelenting pressure of winning every time they saddle up a favourite, they do so knowing the potentially life-altering consequences of getting boxed in too tight or shifting out a second too late.”

Mr. Harding was joined in the session by former Victorian Premier Mr. Jeff Kennett, Ms. Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive, Injured Jockeys Fund (UK); Ms. Matti Clements, Acting Director, Australian Institute of Sport; and three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Glen Boss, who spoke of the mental health challenges he experienced during his career.

“I have a PHD in what not to do as a professional athlete,” Boss said. “I never showed any sign of weakness, or put my hand up looking for help. (But) I was crumbling, I was falling apart, I would keep putting up more walls to make myself look stronger.”

Earlier, Dr. Chris Riggs, Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation Director and Chief Advisor, Mainland Veterinary Engagement told the conference racing has “a moral responsibility to provide for the needs of animals in our care.”

“There is a definition of welfare which simply connects the needs of the animal and whether they are being met and that is totally quantifiable,” Dr. Riggs said during a session titled ‘The Horse’.

“We need to highlight the benefits and acknowledge the issues associated with racing and face up to them truthfully, honestly and openly and be very proud of racing but equally say ‘It’s got its problems, just about everything in life has.’

“We need to face up to our detractors with that insistence that we are doing something.”

Mr. Greg Nichols, Director of Racing Australia, chaired the session and said the industry must have “an irrevocable commitment to the welfare of the horses from cradle to grave.”

Champion trainer Mr. Chris Waller said transparency and open communication was vital in retaining and increasing racehorse ownership during an interview with moderator Mr. David Eades in a session titled ‘The Owner,’ which focused on horse ownership.

“It’s the same as any business, if you are not looking after your investor, they won’t reinvest and I am not blessed with having great communication skills or being any outgoing person,” Mr. Waller said.

“If you close the door, it’s hard to reopen it. Always leave the door open and the customer is always right. It’s just the same philosophy that works in any business.”

Leading Australian scientist Professor Tim Flannery delivered a keynote address on ‘The Sustainable,’ saying racing faced a challenge relating to climate change and sustainability in the eyes of younger generations.

Professor Flannery shared a panel discussion with General Manger, International Department of the Japan Racing Association, Mr. Hiroshi Ito and the Managing Director of Accenture, Ms. Julie Romanet-Perroux.

Mr. Andrew Harding, Secretary General, Asian Racing Federation and Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Director, Racing; Mr. Doug Robinson, Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Manager, Due Diligence and Research and Mr. Tom Chignell, Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Manager, Racing Integrity and Betting Analysis, will feature on Friday (17 February) in a session called ‘The Defence’ which focuses on threats to racing’s integrity.