Aamilah Aswat, a 20-year-old jockey, became the first female Black British jump jockey to win a race in the UK, achieving victory on her fourth professional ride at Kempton on 2 February 2026. She partnered the horse Guchen to success in a handicap hurdle, marking a milestone for diversity in British racing. Aswat expressed gratitude to her supporters, signaling her ambition for more wins ahead.
Aamilah Aswat's triumph came in a handicap hurdle at Kempton racecourse on 2 February 2026, where she rode Guchen, owned by Friends of Ebony Horse Club and trained by Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls. This victory marked her as the first female Black British jump jockey to win a race in the UK, achieved on just her fourth ride as a professional after obtaining her conditional licence in autumn 2025.
Raised in Gloucester by British parents of Indian and Jamaican heritage, Aswat learned to ride at St James’s City Farm and participated in pony races. In 2021, she joined the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship programme, aimed at supporting young people from diverse ethnic communities in racing. She later completed the foundation course at the British Racing School and began working with Bailey and Nicholls.
Reflecting on her achievement, 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.” She added: “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.”
The trainers praised her dedication, stating: “We are so proud of Aamilah, who works so hard and really deserves this. She gave Guchen a brilliant ride and we are delighted to be part of her history-making success.” They also thanked the Brixton-based Ebony Horse Club for its support, noting: “We are sure this is just the start for Aamilah, onwards and upwards from here.”
Aswat credited the Ebony Horse Club and her coach Will Kennedy for her progress, saying: “If it wasn’t for the Ebony Horse Club, I wouldn’t have progressed in my race-riding career so far. I am very thankful to them.” She emphasized her message of perseverance: “The message I hopefully give out to other people is that if you want to do it, you definitely can and I will be following you every step of the way.”
Naomi Lawson, co-founder of the Riding A Dream Academy, celebrated the milestone: “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.”
This win highlights growing diversity in UK jump racing, with Aswat aspiring to ride as many winners as possible while building confidence through professional interactions.
