Aamilah Aswat made history at Kempton Park earlier this week when she became Britain’s first black female jump jockey.

The 20-year-old from Gloucester finished fifth in the JCB Handicap Hurdle on Monday 10 November aboard Guchen for Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls.

“I can’t believe that my dream to race has finally come true,” said Aamilah.

“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 so grateful to them and the owners, the Friends of Ebony Horse Club for giving me this opportunity.

“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.” 

Aamilah Aswat finished fifth aboard Guchen.

Aamilah’s background

Aamilah learnt to ride at St James’s City Farm in Gloucester and contested pony races in 2017 and 2018 with the Pony Racing Authority. 

She joined the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship programme in 2021-22 and completed the foundation course at the British Racing School before joining the yard of Grand National winning trainer, Kim Bailey.

“I have watched Aamilah’s progress over the years and I could not be more excited and proud to see her race today,” said Khadijah Mellah, one of the co-founders of the Riding A Dream Academy which was set up to support young people from diverse ethnic communities into horse racing after Khadijah won the 2019 Magnolia Cup.

“She is a brilliant role model for the other Riding a Dream Academy students. Visibility is so important and I am excited for her to have the opportunity to display her talent and hard work. 

“Huge thanks to Kim Bailey, Mat Nicholls and their team and also the Friends of Ebony for facilitating this huge day. It is a privilege to support the next generation and Aamilah is the future of talent in horse racing.”

Aamilah Aswat.

‘Representation really matters’

The Riding A Dream Academy is part of the British Racing School, a worldwide centre of excellence within racing and helps riders aged 13-16 achieve their dreams. It is funded by the Racing Foundation and runs three programmes. The initiative revealed earlier this month that this year it has reached more young people from diverse ethnic communities than ever before.

“Representation really matters and what we’re seeking to do at the Riding A Dream Academy is ensure that young people from diverse ethnic communities have the chance to shine in the sport,” said Naomi Lawson, co-founder of the Riding A Dream Academy.

“Only around 2-3% of licensed jockeys come from these communities, far below the national average, so we hope that Aamilah is the first of many to come through the ranks and succeed in the sport. 

“None of these things happen without a huge number of people and we are so grateful to our funders the Racing Foundation, the staff at the Riding A Dream Academy and British Racing School and the team at Kim Bailey’s for making today possible.”

Images © John Hoy / The Jockey Club.

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