Brighton graduate Khadijah Mellah – who made history in hijab – to ride in Goodwood amateur race

In 2019, at just 18 years old, Khadijah stunned the sporting world when she rode to victory in the Magnolia Cup, beating a field of experienced jockeys – including Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton. Racing in her hijab, she became the first British Muslim woman to compete in and win on a racetrack – a trailblazing moment that made global headlines and inspired thousands.

Now aged 24 and fresh from completing a Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons) degree at the University of Brighton, Khadijah is stepping up to the next stage of her journey.

Khadijah’s route into racing has been anything but traditional. With no family connections in the sport, she has worked her way up the hard way – riding out before lectures at Brighton, serving as a full-time member of stable staff, and putting in years of graft in racing yards across the country.  

After completing a two-year apprenticeship and gaining her Category A amateur licence from the British Horseracing Authority, she has finally earned her first ride under rules. She will ride Uncle Dick, a proven winner with nine career victories, under the guidance of leading trainer Eve Johnson Houghton in the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap on Friday, 22 August.  

Khadijah said: “Riding back at Goodwood feels so special – it’s where everything began for me. So much has happened in the last six years, but the thrill of race riding has never left me. I’ve been working hard riding out in Epsom, Newmarket and recently Lambourn to prepare for this, and I can’t wait to get back out there.

“I have sacrificed so much to progress as a rider and really want to be known for my achievements as an individual, rather than as a “hijabi jockey”. It’s hard to get rides and I am beyond grateful to Eve who has given me such a huge opportunity and has recognised my efforts. Being an outsider in racing can be really tough but Eve has been so welcoming and supported my progress and I will never forget it.”

Growing up in Peckham, South London, Khadijah first learned to ride at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, a community riding school that introduces inner-city children to horses.

Her Magnolia Cup victory later became the subject of the ITV documentary Riding A Dream, which inspired the creation of the Riding A Dream Academy – co-founded by Khadijah, Oli Bell and Naomi Lawson – to open more doors for underrepresented groups in British racing. Since its launch, the Academy has supported hundreds of young people from diverse backgrounds into the sport.

Khadijah remains passionate about using her platform to inspire others: “I hope my journey shows young girls – especially from Muslim and diverse backgrounds – that their dreams are valid, whether that’s in racing, engineering, or anywhere else. If I can do it, they can too.”

"Brighton has been an incredible environment to pursue both my academic and sporting ambitions. It has given me the space and support to grow, and I’m passionate about using my experiences to help open doors for others, so more people from diverse backgrounds can see themselves in racing and beyond."

Her return to Goodwood this summer marks a powerful full-circle moment: from history-making teenager to qualified amateur jockey, ready to make her mark once again.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: "Khadijah’s achievements are an inspiration – not only by breaking barriers in sport, but in showing what determination, hard work and ambition can deliver. We are proud to see her continue to make history while also excelling as a Brighton graduate."