Racing Foundation-funded Riding A Dream Academy graduate Aamilah Aswat selected for the Magnolia Cup

10 Jul 2024

Image credit: Alice Gough

A student from the Racing Foundation-funded Riding A Dream Academy will race in this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood Racecourse on Thursday, August 1. 

The event marks five years since Khadijah Mellah made history by winning the same race.

Inspired by Khadijah’s win, the Riding A Dream Academy was established in 2021 with funding from the Racing Foundation to create a pathway for young people from diverse ethnic and disadvantaged communities into British racing. 

Aamilah Aswat began riding at St James’s City Farm in Gloucester at age six and competed in pony races with the Pony Racing Authority from age eleven. 

At sixteen, Aamilah joined the Khadijah Mellah Scholarship, the academy’s flagship programme where she was one of the first students of the Riding A Dream Academy. 

She has since graduated from the Foundation Course at the British Racing School and now works for Grand National-winning trainer, Kim Bailey.

Aamilah said, “Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamt of being a jockey so to be taking part in this year’s Magnolia Cup is a dream come true and very surreal. 

“I have ridden in pony races before, but to have the opportunity to ride at Goodwood and in such an amazing race is such a privilege. 

“I’m going in with no expectations and no pressure – I just want to enjoy the whole experience.”

Khadijah Mellah, co-founder of the Riding A Dream Academy, said:

“We are so excited that Aamilah is taking part in this year’s Magnolia Cup. 

“Our ambitions when we set up the Riding A Dream Academy was to support other young people from diverse ethnic communities and urban equestrian centres into racing and so to see one of our students riding in the same race which changed my life and kickstarted this whole incredible journey is very emotional. 

“I am looking forward to supporting Aamilah on her journey, letting her know what to expect and making sure she enjoys every minute of the experience.”

Moving forward, Goodwood Racecourse will offer a place in the Markel Magnolia Cup every year to a student of the Riding A Dream Academy. 
Watch how Aamilah’s training has been progressing here.