Khadijah Mellah documentary wins Best British Short Film at prestigious awards

Riding A Dream, the documentary detailing Khadijah Mellah's inspirational journey from a south London riding school to Magnolia Cup glory at Goodwood, has been named Best British Short Film at the British Documentary Film Festival.

The documentary, which aired for the first time in October 2019, followed Mellah as she learned to ride a racehorse in just three months before going on to become the first Muslim woman to ride in and win a race in Britain.

Mellah said: "I am incredibly proud. Winning the Magnolia Cup was a whirlwind experience and something that has changed my life immensely.

Khadijah Mellah celebrates with her mother Selma after winning with her horse Haverland in the Magnolia CupCredit: Dan Kitwood (Getty Images)

"At the time, I was looking up to role models to help inspire me and get me through the gruelling training. So it was incredible to then receive messages from young women and girls in particular, saying that I had inspired them to do something out of their comfort zone. My hope is that my experiences will encourage more people to get involved in racing."

The documentary was produced by ITV Racing's Oli Bell who, after pitching the idea to document Mellah's journey, gained financial backing for the project from Great British Racing, Goodwood Racecourse and The Racing Foundation.

Members can read Lee Mottershead's insightful interview with Khadijah Mellah, 12 months on from her Goodwood success

Bell said: "The Riding A Dream team are thrilled to receive this prestigious award. It is recognition to a lot of people’s hard work and testament to what an incredible young woman Khadijah is.

"We were so lucky to be working with Khadijah, who dealt with everything that the filming and the preparation for the race threw at her, and I am delighted that her story has been recognised in this way.

Khadijah Mellah, photographed in Peckham Rye, one year on from her Magnolia Cup triumphCredit: Edward Whitaker

"On behalf of the film makers, we would like to thank the team at the British Racing School and Charlie Fellowes Racing for all their help and Great British Racing, The Racing Foundation and Goodwood Racecourse for their belief in this project from the start.

"I hope that Khadijah's success helps to make the sport a more diverse and inclusive one going forward."

The film, directed by filmmakers Tom Bolwell and Mattia Reiniger, will be aired again by ITV on Saturday, August 1 at 12.50.

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