Aamilah Aswat Makes British Jump Racing History

Aamilah Aswat has become the first Black British female jump jockey to win a race in the UK. She is also the first woman of South Asian heritage to qualify as a jump jockey in Britain.

The 20-year-old claimed victory at Kempton on Monday, winning a 2m5f handicap hurdle in only her fourth professional ride. Aswat partnered Guchen, trained by Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls, bringing the 9-1 shot home from a field of 11.

Born to Jamaican and Indian parents and raised in Gloucester, Aswat faced racial abuse growing up but found a route into racing after a family friend gave her a ride. She learned to ride at St James' City Farm and was awarded a place on the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship in 2021-22, a scheme backed by The Jockey Club to help young people from diverse ethnic communities enter the sport.

Reflecting on the win, Aswat said: "First of all I would like to thank everyone who has supported me every step of the way and to Kim and Mat and the owners for giving me this opportunity. Words can't express what it feels like to have achieved this win so soon. I just feel really happy and hopefully it's just the beginning for me and there'll be many more wins to come in my career."

Aswat took out her jockey's licence in autumn 2025 and had previously spoken to Sky Sports about her journey in 2024.

Naomi Lawson, co-founder of the Riding A Dream Academy, added: "We're so incredibly proud of Aamilah. She has always been a stand-out talent, and we are so pleased that all her hard work has paid off. For her to make history today and become the first Riding A Dream Academy student to win a race is incredible and we are so grateful to everyone who has supported her on her journey."