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SARGA.CO – Khadijah Mellah captured public attention when, at just 18 years old, she made history at Goodwood in 2019. She became the first jockey in England to race while wearing a hijab—a symbol of steadfast identity—and even more impressively, she won the Magnolia Cup, a charity race exclusively for women.
In that race, Mellah rode Haverland and overtook several experienced jockeys, including former Olympic athlete Victoria Pendleton, in a dramatic finish.
Mellah’s journey to the racetrack didn’t happen overnight. According to The Telegraph, she was born and raised in Peckham, South London, in a modest household.
Through the Ebony Horse Club—a charity riding club in Brixton—she pursued horseback riding despite struggling to balance lessons with school commitments.
Her determination, however, was undeniable. Mellah was prepared for the racing track by trainer Charlie Fellowes through an intensive six-week program.
After her win, Mellah became a symbol of change and inspiration—not just because of her hijab, but for her courage in breaking stereotypes.
She also became a figure demonstrating that elite sports like horse racing can be accessible to Muslim women from social backgrounds not typically represented in the sport.
Soon after, her journey was documented in the film Riding A Dream, which captured her training from Brixton to the Goodwood podium. The documentary aired on ITV, spreading her inspirational message to a wider audience.
Now, the latest news is truly encouraging. In August 2025—six years after her historic debut—Mellah officially became a licensed amateur jockey in England, earning the title of “Category A Amateur Jockey.”
On August 22, she returned to the Goodwood Racecourse in an official race, the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap. Riding Uncle Dick, Mellah finished sixth. While not a podium victory, it was a proud moment: Mellah returned as a formally recognized jockey.
Khadijah Mellah now also leads the Riding A Dream Academy, a program helping young people from urban and minority backgrounds gain access to the world of horse racing.
The academy opens new pathways, offering training and support to those who wish to pursue the sport—a testament to Mellah’s dedication to the next generation and her commitment to changing the narrative of sports in England.
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