Aamilah Aswat made history at Kempton on Monday by becoming the first black British female jump jockey to ride in Britain. She finished fifth of 10 on Guchen, trained by Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls, in the handicap hurdle.
The 20-year-old completed the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship in 2021-22 and had a spell at the British Racing School before competing in this year’s Magnolia Cup on the flat at Goodwood. She is based at the Bailey and Nicholls yard in Gloucestershire.
“I can’t believe that my dream to race has finally come true,” Aswat said. “I couldn’t ask for a better horse – Guchen gave me such a great feeling and I will remember this day forever. I just wanted to get round safely and repay the trust that Kim and Mat have had in me. I am really proud to be the first black British female jump jockey. When I was growing up I looked up to Khadijah Mellah and I hope that now other young people will look up to me as well and know that they can also reach their dreams.”
Khadijah Mellah, who became the first British Muslim woman to win a horse race in Britain when she won the 2019 Magnolia Cup and co-founded the Riding A Dream Academy, said: “I have watched Aamilah progress over the years and I could not be more excited and proud to see her race today. Visibility is so important and I am excited for her to have the opportunity to display her talent and hard work.”
Fellow academy co-founder Naomi Lawson added the organisation aims to “ensure that young people from diverse ethnic communities have the chance to shine in the sport.” She noted that only around 2-3% of licensed jockeys come from these communities, far below the national average, and said they hope Aswat is the first of many to come through the ranks and succeed.
