RACING WELFARE’S NEW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER READY TO HELP THOROUGHBRED STUD AND BREEDING COMMUNITY

Racing Welfare, the horseracing industry’s human welfare charity, has recruited a new community engagement officer to work with the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector in a bid to raise awareness of, and increase access to, the charity’s services.

Keith Haggins, who has nearly 30 years of experience of working within the thoroughbred breeding industry, has taken on the role and is looking forward to combining that knowledge with an interest in mental health support and personal development, for the benefit of others.

Throughout his career, Keith thoroughly enjoyed his time working with many leading figures in the thoroughbred breeding industry across the globe, including holding the position of Manager at Waddesdon Stud for the late Lady Rothschild.

Keith’s role is part of a three-year project made possible by funding from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust. Gerald Leigh was a prominent owner breeder of racehorses based at Eydon Hall Farm in Northamptonshire and the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, which was established in 1974, makes regular donations to causes including the bloodstock industry, medical research and education.

Great progress has already been made in the first year of the project, including completion of a survey which gauged the current level of awareness of Racing Welfare services in the stud and breeding sector as well as determining the type of support required.

The charity provides support to people working in all areas of the horseracing industry, but data shows that in 2022 the stud and breeding sector made up only 5.7% of the people supported by Racing Welfare. In his new role, Keith will aim to redress the imbalance by engaging with these communities and ensuring they know that Racing Welfare’s services are available to them, what support is available and how to access it.

Keith said: “I’m incredibly excited to join Racing Welfare. I started out as stud hand and rider, worked my way up to management level and was employed by some incredible breeders in Ireland and in the UK. I know the stud and breeding industry really well and am looking forward to capitalising on that for the benefit of others.

“I’ve already had some really positive meetings with many stakeholders including The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and The National Stud and am looking forward to attending the upcoming sales at Tattersalls to meet those I’m trying to engage with and find out how we can improve understanding of, and access to, our vital services.

“I want to get the message out to anyone who works within the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector that I’m here to help and would welcome anyone to get in touch with their ideas on how we can engage with and support them.

“I have a passion for all things surrounding mental health and have recently returned to education to become a Licenced Thrive programme coach; helping people with a wide range of issues including personal development.

“Throughout my career I was aware of Racing Welfare and the great work they do, but I thought they only supported racing yards. I want everyone within the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector to know that Racing Welfare is there for them.”

To contact Keith Haggins, Racing Welfare Community Engagement Officer (Thoroughbred Stud and Breeding sector), email: khaggins@racingwelfare.co.,uk or call: 07974 479179