Aamilah Aswat makes history at Kempton

Aamilah Aswat made history at Kempton on Monday as the first ever black woman to ride in a jumps race in Britain.

Aswat was aboard the Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls-trained Guchen in the JCB Handicap Hurdle, finishing fifth of 10.

The achievement follows Aswat’s completion of the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship programme in 2021-22, after which she competed in the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood this year following a spell at the British Racing School. Since then she has been at the Bailey and Nicholls yard.

“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,” she said after completing the race.

“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, 2019 Magnolia Cup winner) and I hope that now other young people will look up to me as well and know that they can also reach their dreams.”

Mellah, one of the co-founders of 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.

“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.”