Brighton Graduate And Britain's First Winning Female Muslim Jockey Set For Goodwood Debut

University of Brighton graduate Khadijah Mellah is set to make her amateur race debut at Goodwood this Friday, six years after first capturing the world’s attention at the same course.

Back in 2019, 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 a professional race, inspiring thousands in the process.

Now 24, fresh from completing her Mechanical Engineering degree at Brighton, Khadijah is stepping up to the next stage of her racing journey.

Her path has been far from traditional.

With no family connections in racing, she’s worked her way up from the ground – rising early to ride out before lectures, serving as a full-time stable hand, and putting in years of hard graft in yards across the country.

After completing a two-year apprenticeship and earning her Category A amateur licence from the British Horseracing Authority, she’s finally ready for her first ride under rules.

She’ll ride Uncle Dick, a proven nine-time winner, in the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap under the guidance of top trainer Eve Johnson Houghton.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s race, Khadijah said:

"Riding back at Goodwood feels so special – it’s where it all began.

"The thrill of race riding has never left me.

"I’ve been training hard at Epsom, Newmarket, and Lambourn, and I can’t wait to get back out there.

"I’ve sacrificed so much to progress as a rider, and I really want to be known for my achievements as an individual.

"Eve Johnson Houghton has given me this huge opportunity, and I’ll never forget her support."

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

Her Magnolia Cup win later became the subject of the ITV documentary Riding A Dream, inspiring the creation of the Riding A Dream Academy.

Co-founded by Khadijah, Oli Bell, and Naomi Lawson, the Academy opens doors for underrepresented groups in British racing, supporting hundreds of young people from diverse backgrounds.

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 in racing, engineering, or anywhere else. If I can do it, they can too."

Her return to Goodwood this summer is a 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 – showing what determination, hard work, and ambition can deliver.

"We’re proud to see her continue to make history while also excelling as a Brighton graduate."