Meydan to Host Autism-Friendly Race Day

The mission to open racing up to a neurodiverse audience will move to a new continent this spring when Dubai stages an autism-friendly race day. Meydan Racecourse will have extra provisions in place, such as safe spaces and sensory rooms, and have specially trained staff on hand at its meeting March 13. The day is being planned and organized in association with Autism In Racing, the pioneering group which has made great strides in opening up access to the sport in Britain in the last five years. "It's fantastic to be breaking boundaries and going international," said Bobby Beevers, who founded Autism In Racing. "It's a brilliant moment for the sport, reinforcing the importance of understanding and inclusion. It came about through our ambassador, William Buick. He rides a lot in Dubai, his wife Jane talked to the Dubai Racing Club and they reached out to us." The initiative means a lot to Buick, who has a son with a diagnosis of autism and said: "Meydan is a world-class racecourse and holds a very special place in my heart. Small changes can make a huge difference and by recognizing individual needs we can help ensure that racing is a sport people of all abilities can enjoy together. "To see Autism In Racing raising awareness on an international scale is incredibly meaningful to me, and it shows how far inclusion in our sport can truly go." Ali Al Ali, CEO and board member of the Dubai Racing Club, added: "We are proud to stage the Middle East's first autism awareness race day at Meydan Racecourse. "Thanks to the pioneering work of the team behind Autism In Racing, there is a growing understanding of how racecourses can create environments that are welcoming and inclusive for everyone. "We are grateful for their support and collaboration, and we look forward to delivering a race day that is enjoyable, thoughtful and memorable for all our guests." Where Dubai leads, other regions may well follow. Beevers, whose organization is a community partner of the Racing Post, said: "We hope to be working with other countries to organize autism-friendly race days. Conversations are ongoing."