Aamilah Aswat becomes first Black British Female Jump Jockey to race in the UK

11th November 2025

Riding A Dream Academy graduate Aamilah Aswat made history on Monday, becoming the first Black British female jump jockey to race in the UK.  

  • Markel Magnolia Cup

  • Horse Racing

  • Goodwood Racecourse

  • Horseracing

Khadijah Mellah with Riding A Dream Academy graduate Aamilah Aswat Ph. by Dominic James.jpg

Aamilah finished fifth in the 2m5f JCB Handicap Hurdle at Kempton aboard Guchen, trained by Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls, and owned by Friends of the Ebony Horse Club.

The 20-year-old came second in the 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup, making her racing debut over jumps less than four years after joining the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy programme.

Aamilah first learned to ride at St James’ City Farm in Gloucester, took part in pony racing growing up, and was the recipient of the first-ever Khadijah Mellah Scholarship in 2021–2022. She then completed the Foundation Course at the British Racing School before joining Bailey Nicholls Racing.

The Riding A Dream Academy was set up to support young people from diverse ethnic communities to get into racing after Khadijah Mellah won the Markel Magnolia Cup in 2019.

Aamilah Aswat told the BBC: “I can't believe that my dream to race has finally come true. I couldn't ask for a better horse – Guchen gave me such a great feeling and I will remember this day forever.”

“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.”

  • Markel Magnolia Cup

  • Horse Racing

  • Goodwood Racecourse

  • Horseracing