Khadijah Mellah, who made history as the first hijab-wearing jockey to win a horse race in Britain, is gearing up for her amateur debut. At just 18 years old, Mellah clinched victory at the Markel Magnolia Cup in 2019, a mere few months after her first horseback ride. Now 24, she is set to ride in the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap at Goodwood Racecourse this Friday.

Mellah's journey is not just about personal achievement but also about breaking barriers and fostering diversity in the sport. Following her historic win, she co-founded the Riding A Dream Academy, an initiative aimed at encouraging young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds to engage in horse riding.

"Visibility and seeing it to believe it is so important, but also having a relatable person to go to for advice makes a massive difference," Mellah shared. "Diversity can bring so much excitement into this sport. There are going to be some kids who want this so badly, just as I do, and really bring out the best in racing."

Goodwood Racecourse director James Crespi praised Mellah's 2019 win as "nothing short of spectacular." Mellah, who has also completed a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Brighton, continues to inspire as a role model, pushing boundaries and leading by example.

Her participation in Friday's race is highly anticipated, not just for her potential to win but for the broader impact it could have on the sport. Mellah’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in sports.