Aamilah Aswat, 16. (Photo credit: Alice Gough/Riding A Dream Academy)
Elham Asaad Buaras
Riding A Dream Academy graduate, Aamilah Aswat, has been appointed Senior Trainee at the British Racing School, one of the only two horse racing schools in the UK.
The 16-year-old from Gloucester was among the first group of pupils to complete the Academy’s Khadijah Mellah Scholarship in July and is now enrolled in a foundation course at the British Racing School.
In a statement to The Muslim News Aswat said, “It is an honour to be made Senior Trainee and is something that I never expected. Being at the Riding A Dream Academy was such a great stepping-stone for me to be at the British Racing School, and I love it here, it’s like a second home.”
Aswat, who learned to ride at St. James’s City Farm and Riding School and was supported by the Jockey Club, has already undertaken extensive work experience in racing, starting at Sophie Leech’s yard, before gaining experience at Kim Bailey’s and with former jockey Jason Maguire, both of whom won the Grand National.
“My dream is to be a jump jockey and win the Grand National. I started riding at the age of seven at St James’s in Gloucester and had my first pony race at 11 with the Pony Racing Authority. I found it so exciting – the fact that you’re on famous tracks, knowing that the best jockeys in the country have also ridden there is so exciting. I can’t wait to hopefully race professionally in the future,” said Aswat.
Khadijah Mellah, in whose name the Riding A Dream Academy was set up following her historic Magnolia Cup win, said, “I am so thrilled to see Aswat made Senior Trainee at the British Racing School. She is such a talent, and with all the other wonderful attributes she possesses, I can’t wait to see all the things she achieves in her career.”
Imran Atcha, who runs St. James’s City Farm, where Aswat first learned to ride, said, “We are all so proud of Aamilah. She has loved racing since she first started riding with us, and it is wonderful to see her flourish and be recognised in this way. She has overcome many challenges over the years to get this far, and we can’t wait to see her at the races.”
Laura Stokes, her instructor at the British Racing School, said, “We have been so impressed with Aamilah’s attitude and talent, and she was the standout choice for a senior trainee. She is currently halfway through a 12-week residential course, and since joining us, she has demonstrated herself to be a mature and responsible member of the team.”
