Horse Racing

“The chaplain has a fundamental place, along with others, in providing care and support for all who work in racing.” Brigadier Cedric Burton, CEO, Racing WelfareHorse Racing Chaplaincy

Graham Locking has been providing chaplaincy in horse racing for 10 years in the stables around Newmarket.  As the Pastoral Director for Horse Racing he has been encouraged by the Jockey Club to develop chaplaincy in all the stables across the country.

Chaplaincy is available for everyone in racing, whether they are religious or not.  The Horse Racing Chaplain is around to provide care and support for everyone in the industry. This will be when people are struggling with personal problems, as well as supporting them in their everyday lives, when things are going well.  People can talk to Graham about anything, and he will listen without judging or trying to force his ideas on to them. It is amazing how helpful it can be simply to have someone to talk to, someone who has some knowledge of the racing industry, but is also independent of it.  Over the last 10 years many people have found help and support through the Chaplain. Here are some of comments from a recent survey carried out into the work of the Chaplain, by an independent research company.

“I feel very comfortable with the Chaplain…I trust him implicitly and there is no one else I would want to go to for help…I feel very, very lucky that the Chaplain helped me.”

“The Chaplain is a friend now and someone I trust for advice”

“The Chaplain doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and in fact isn’t there to give answers, but to help people look at the questions and issues they are facing.”

As a Christian Minister the Chaplain can share in the highs and lows of people’s lives, weddings, baptisms and funerals, and can also help people reflect on the meaning of life, if that is what they wish to do.