From Gloucester Stables to Racing Glory: Aamilah Aswat Rides Into British History as the Nation’s First Black Female Jump Jockey
Aamilah Aswat has entered the record books as Britain’s first Black female jump jockey after competing in the JCB Handicap Hurdle at Kempton Park on November 10, 2025. Riding Guchen for trainers Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls, Aswat finished fifth in her debut race — a performance that marked a powerful moment for diversity and inclusion in British horse racing.
“I can’t believe that my dream to race has finally come true,” Aswat said after her race. “I couldn’t ask for a better horse. Guchen gave me such a great feeling, and I’ll remember this day forever.”
The young rider’s achievement is more than just a sporting milestone. It symbolizes a growing shift in a sport that has long lacked visible representation from diverse ethnic communities.
Aswat’s success is deeply connected to the vision of the Riding A Dream Academy, an organization created to open racing opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The academy was co-founded by Khadijah Mellah, who made history in 2019 as the first British Muslim woman to win a horse race.
“I have watched Aamilah progress over the years and could not be more proud to see her race today,” Mellah said. “She’s a brilliant role model for the next generation. Visibility is so important, andAamilah is showing that talentand hard work can take you anywhere.”
Naomi Lawson, the academy’s co-founder, added, “Representation really matters. Only about 2–3 percent of licensed jockeys come from diverse ethnic communities. We hope Aamilah will be the first of many to succeed.”
Aswat’s journey began far from the grandstands of Kempton Park. She grew up in Gloucester, where she first learned to ride at St. James’s City Farm under coach Imran Atcha. Her early experiences led her to compete in pony races between 2017 and 2018 with the Pony Racing Authority.
In 2021, she earned a place in the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship program, sponsored by The Jockey Club. The program supported her training and provided her with the foundation she needed to advance in professional racing.
She later completed the Foundation Course at the British Racing School, one of the most respected equestrian institutions in the world, before joining the stable of Grand National-winning trainer Kim Bailey. Her path reflects dedication, resilience, and the power of mentorship.
The Riding A Dream Academy, housed within the British Racing School, is dedicated to helping young riders from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds find their footing in the sport. Funded by the Racing Foundation, it offers scholarships, residential programs, and introductory taster days forstudents aged 13 to 16.
The academy’s programs — including the Khadijah Mellah Scholarship — aim to bridge the gap for those who might never have imagined a career in horse racing. For Aswat, this support made her lifelong dream possible.
“I am proud to be the first Black British female jump jockey,” she said. “When I was growing up, I looked up to Khadijah Mellah. I hope young people now look up to me and believe they can reach their dreams too.”
Aamilah Aswat’s historic ride is not just about breaking into a new space — it’s about paving a future for others to follow. Her determination and humility have inspired a new generation of riders who now see themselves reflected on the racecourse.
With continued support from organizations like the Riding A Dream Academy and the British Racing School, the world of British horse racing is becoming more inclusive, one gallop at a time.
Aswat’s name will be remembered not only for her racing debut but for what it represents — courage, representation, and the power of dreams fulfilled.
