Reverend Graham Locking  interviewed by Sandie Keetch

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
"BEING WHERE PEOPLE ARE IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE GOSPEL"

Reverend Graham Locking is a lonely figure at the Newmarket “gallops” on a raw winter morning. Watching and waiting for the stable hands who exercise their steeds is part of his daily routine as the first national chaplain of the horse-racing industry.  

The Methodist minister frequents the haunts of those he seeks to minister to, visiting race meetings, stud farms or the Jockey Club in a bid to build rapport. He will also help develop a blueprint for similar posts at racecourses across Britain. 

Graham believes the time is ripe to provide pastoral care since the industry is clearly ailing. “It is full of pressure,” he explains, highlighting numerous struggling trainers who are forced to close their yards and sell up to train abroad, leaving behind a redundant workforce. 

Teenage stable girls and boys, as young as 16, are lured away from home by the glamour of becoming jockeys.  In reality, few make it, losing out to the battle against their weight and height. Lonely and with crushed self-esteem, “they are left at the bottom of the pile, shovelling manure,” says Graham. 

“Often they are away from home for the first time and their working schedule leaves most of their afternoons free so the pub is a popular option,” continues Graham, who also admits that drugs is an issue in the industry. 

Meanwhile existing jockeys are pressurised to maintain strict eating habits and winning form to continue riding. 

“The care that is given to the horses is improving all the time, but the care that is given to people who work with them is only there when it is needed. The racing charities do a good job but I’d like to see people’s lives enriched to help them cope and accept some of the responsibilities so they can make good choices rather than just pick up the pieces. People are then empowered by the care and commitment they have received,” explains the man who has exercised a pastor’s heart for the last 22 years. 

“This job is about relationships. It is the ability  to communicate and share with people outside the Church and help them where they are hurting. Being where people are is fundamental to the Gospel. By sharing their lives – their joys and tears – they just might believe you are sincere. 

“It is vital to build up a reputation for confidentiality and sometimes it may be necessary to speak out against exploitation, unfair behaviour and  use of power,” says Graham who works in close contact with Newmarket’s churches and support the town’s Christian drop-in centre that ministers to the racing fraternity. 

Future plans include concerts and clown and puppet ministries at Sunday race meeting and small Alpha courses to respond to spiritual questions. 

The chaplaincy developed from similar American posts, although the UK role has been forged by SCORE  (Sports Chaplaincy offering Resources through Encouragement). Former honorary chaplain at Manchester United Football Club, Reverend John Boyers, has masterminded many sporting chaplaincies, and has played a key role in determining the post. 

The Newmarket chaplaincy touches issues that are familiar to Graham. His ministry began in London’s East End, reaching out to the destitute and homeless. In Sheffield he gained a vital insight into the problems of the unemployed when his church counselled miners during the mine closures. In Scotland he encouraged growing unity between Catholics and the Church of Scotland and his last eight year job near Liverpool, helped instigate a drug prevention programme among adolescents. 

Experience has ingrained a realist’s vision as Graham explains: “Joy has come in seeing people change and move beyond their own expectations and find new experiences and a sense of self-worth. But there is sorrow too – when people fall into drugs or alcohol and believe they are nobody without value. One wrong decision can lead to others and peer pressure can result in a downward spiral. 

“All this experience is what led to my new appointment. Having gained some understanding about the dangers and mistakes that can befall people, I believe I am the right person for the job.” 

Graham has come from a tough working class background where his father was a heavy drinker. But he became a Christian and tr4hough practical care has shown others the route of his faith. 

In addition he manages Focus Ministries in Britain and America – a business organising sporting retreats and clergy days. Graham visits the United States annually to preach during golfing, walking and bowling breaks. 

“Too often people feel they are not good enough to be Christians, but I want them to accept the experiences they have and find God in them,” says Graham, who will combining chaplaincy and preaching to move people nearer his goal.