First British Muslim woman jockey makes debut

The 24-year-old came sixth in the race

The first British Muslim woman to win a horse race in Britain has made her amateur debut.

Khadijah Mellah, then aged 18, made history by winning the Markel Magnolia Cup in 2019, months after riding a horse for the first time.

On Friday, she rode in her debut race as an amateur jockey at Goodwood Racecourse, finishing sixth.

"I hope that this is a statement that outsiders and people from different backgrounds can really push to continue to progress and exceed expectations, and hopefully ride more winners," she said.

"This is hopefully the first ride of many."

The 24-year-old, from Peckham, took part in the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap race on the horse Uncle Dick.

"People say it goes by so quickly, but I didn't realise just how quickly," she said.

"It was a massive buzz, a massive thrill."

Ms Mellah said she was overwhelmed by the support she had received

By taking part in the Markel Magnolia Cup in 2019 – an all-female, novice charity event – Ms Mellah became the first hijab-wearing jockey to win a horse race in Britain.

Since then, she has helped set up the Riding A Dream Academy – an initiative to help young people from diverse communities and disadvantaged backgrounds get involved in horse riding.

"I have been overwhelmed with so much love and support," Ms Mellah added.

"I have a really great circle around me; it's taken a literal army to get me here. Onto the next one [race]."

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