Ms. Fundi Sithebe, a leading figure in South African horse racing, has emphasized the need for greater inclusivity and diversity within the sport, urging the industry to break down existing stereotypes.

Speaking at the 40th Asian Racing Conference in Sapporo, Japan, Sithebe, who is the Chief Executive Officer of 4Racing and the first black woman to lead a South African horse racing organization, highlighted her commitment to attracting a more diverse audience, including younger and black South Africans.

"There is a strong focus on inclusivity and providing equal opportunities for all stakeholders, especially marginalized groups such as grooms, as shown by the Grooms Trust," Sithebe said.

She stressed that fostering inclusivity and diversity requires a focus on three key areas, starting with education.

"We must actively challenge stereotypes, particularly the notion that 'women aren’t good enough,'" she said. "It’s essential to educate our teams and make inclusivity a core part of our company cultures. This involves open conversation, raising awareness, and a genuine willingness to learn from one another."

Empowerment and empathy were the other crucial areas Sithebe mentioned.

Sithebe, who also holds a private pilot's license, warned of the dangers the industry faces if it fails to embrace diversity and inclusivity, both in the workplace and the broader markets it serves.

In a previous session, Delphine Santiago, a trailblazing French jockey, shared her experiences as the first female jockey to achieve 700 wins. Santiago, who began her career in 1995, became the first and only woman to win the Champion Apprentice title in a male-dominated sport and set a record for the most wins by a female rider in a single year (59).

"I’ve faced injuries and challenges along the way, but I’m proud to have ridden 705 winners," she said.

Retired jockey Kanichiro Fujii, who became a paraplegic after a race accident at Fukushima Racecourse in 2022, also spoke about his journey and dedication to mentoring the next generation of jockeys.

"It took me 25 years to earn my JRA license in 2019, after applying six times. Then, I had a fall in 2022 and faced uncertainty about my future," Fujii shared. "I started riding in Sydney, then moved on to Singapore, South Korea, and China. I studied diligently and finally obtained my JRA license. Now, I’m focused on supporting Japanese jockeys and those riding in Japan."