Markel Magnolia Cup winning jockey Khadijah Mellah makes Amateur Debut at Goodwood Racecourse

22nd August 2025

The first hijab-wearing jockey to ride in a race in Britain, Khadijah Mellah, has again broken boundaries and made history by riding in her first race as an amateur jockey in the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap at Goodwood Racecourse on Friday 22 August.  

  • Horseracing

  • August Bank Holiday

  • Horse Racing

  • Markel Magnolia Cup

Khadijah Mellah makes debut as amateur jockey at Goodwood Racecourse Ph. by Max Carter.jpg

The 24-year-old, originally from Peckham, finished sixth in the opening race of the August Bank Holiday racing festival presented by Virgin Bet. 

Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton gave Mellah her the debut amateur ride aboard Uncle Dick, took up the lead at the midway point of the race and rode a strong finish. 

Teenager Jude Fernandes took the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap on the Gary and Josh Moore trained Platinum Prince. Fernandes’ first win as an amateur jockey. 

In 2019, the then 18-year-old Mellah captured the eyes of the world when she won the Markel Magnolia Cup, aboard the Charlie Fellowes’ trained Haverland, just months after sitting on a horse for the first time. 

In a full circle moment, returning to Goodwood Racecourse where she made landmark history, Mellah said: 

“People say it goes by so quickly, but I didn’t realise just how quickly. It was a massive buzz, a massive thrill. I feel like there’s definitely loads of notes that I am going to take away and build on.”

“This is hopefully the first ride of many. I hope that this is a statement that outsiders and people from different backgrounds can really push to continue to progress and exceed expectations and hopefully ride more winners.”

“I’ve practiced a lot; I felt ready for it. He’s [Uncle Dick] a brilliant horse, I’m lucky to have had him for my first ride. He knew what he was doing, he got in the stalls, and I could feel his heart beating, but he jumped out nicely and I’m really happy.”

“I have been overwhelmed with so much love and support. I have a really great circle around me; it’s taken a literal army to get me here in this parade ring and onto the track as an amateur and I am really grateful. Onto the next one.”

“It’s been massive to be back here, it's a familiar environment, I’m seeing people in the weighing room that I know. The atmosphere is incredible here, I couldn’t ask for a better racecourse to have my first amateur ride at.”

 

  • Horseracing

  • August Bank Holiday

  • Horse Racing

  • Markel Magnolia Cup