'My dream to race has finally come true' - Aamilah Aswat breaks new ground as first black British female jump jockey

Aamilah Aswat made history at Kempton on Monday when becoming the first black British female jump jockey to ride in Britain.

She finished fifth in the 2m5f JCB Handicap Hurdle on Guchen for trainers Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls.

The 20-year-old, who grew up in Gloucester, was making her racecourse debut less than four years after joining the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy programme, which was launched to improve diversity and representation in racing following Khadijah Mellah’s Magnolia Cup victory in 2019. The Academy recently recorded a record year for participation.

“I can’t believe that my dream to race has finally come true,” said Aswat. “I couldn’t ask for a better horse – Guchen gave me such a great feeling and I’ll remember this day forever. I just wanted to get round safely and repay the trust Kim and Mat have had in me.

“I’m really proud to be the first black British female jump jockey. When I was growing up I looked up to Khadijah and I hope that now other young people will look up to me and know they can also reach their dreams.”

Aamilah Aswat works for Grand National-winning trainer Kim BaileyCredit: John Hoy and The Jockey Club

Aswat’s achievement was praised by Mellah, who said: “I’ve watched Aamilah progress over the years and I couldn’t be more excited or proud to see her race today. She’s a brilliant role model for other Riding A Dream Academy students.

“Visibility is so important, and I’m thrilled she’s had the opportunity to show her talent and hard work. Huge thanks go to Kim, Mat and the Friends of Ebony Horse Club for making this day possible.”

Naomi Lawson, co-founder of the Riding A Dream Academy, added: “Representation really matters. Only around two to three per cent of licensed jockeys come from ethnically diverse communities, far below the national average, so we hope Aamilah is the first of many to come through and succeed.

Aswat first learned to ride at St James City Farm in Gloucester under the guidance of Imran Atcha, before competing in pony races in 2017 and 2018. She later joined the Riding A Dream Academy Scholarship in 2021 before completing the foundation course at the British Racing School.

Read these next:

Magnolia Cup winner Khadijah Mellah set to be subject of new film directed by Top Boy's Ashley Walters 

'He might be the type for the Lanzarote Hurdle' - Idy Wood wins Pertemps qualifier for red-hot Jamie Snowden 

Mydaddypaddy 7-1 clear favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle after dazzling on hurdles debut 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.