We are writing in response to Joe Bianca's article from 08/16/17 that highlighted the Perspectives: Women in Racing panel from Equestricon.
The quotations in this article, where several of the panelists talked about what they felt was routine sexual harassment, do not represent the industry that we know and also detract from the issues surrounding the unequal representation of women in leading roles within our sport.
These panelists painted the backstretch and sales grounds as places where women are harassed on a regular basis. With over 100 combined years of experience in the Thoroughbred industry, we wholeheartedly disagree with those statements. We do not go to work expecting to be harassed nor do we feel unsafe in our workplaces. There are many kind, respectful, hard-working men in the industry with whom we have forged professional and personal relationships. To suggest these people are the minority is itself a blight on our sport.
The real issue is the inequality of women as leaders and figure heads in racing. While attempting to attain our professional goals in this sport, we have faced obstacles because of our sex. Whether it is being passed over for a promotion, having our intellectual curiosity discouraged or our judgment and expertise questioned, we have been forced to make more of an effort because we are women. Having attained a certain level of accomplishment, we feel it is time to work within the industry to create more opportunities for women in all disciplines of our sport. From something as simple as finding a hot walking job for a novice to something as intricate as encouraging all industry groups to examine their hiring and promotion of women, there are many ways to attain this goal.
We refuse to be portrayed as victims in the racing industry; we are very capable, professional women who have offered much to our sport and intend to continue doing so on behalf of the next generation of passionate girls and women who want to make this wonderful game their livelihoods.
Sincerely,
–Tracy L. Attfield: President and Owner, Tlore Management, LLC
–Caton Bredar: Freelance Broadcaster & Journalist
-Stephanie Brennan: Director of Sales & Marketing, Niall Brennan Stables ; President of Final Furlong Racehorse Retirement & Placement; Board of Directors, Ocala Farm Ministry
–Jane Buchanan: Racing Manager, H. Graham Motion Racing Stable; Bloodstock Agent; U.S. Representative, BBA Ireland
–Leah Gyarmati: Trainer; Board of Directors, NYTHA; Board of Directors, BEST
–Catherine Robinson: Trainer
–Maggie Sweet: COO, Todd A. Pletcher Racing Stables, Inc.
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