Star jockey Khadijah Mellah: I’m glad to challenge stereotype of Muslim women

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Liam Coleman29 October 2019

The first British Muslim woman to win a UK horse race has said she is glad to be helping to break down stereotypes.

Khadijah Mellah, 18, from Peckham, made history when she took first place in a charity race during the Glorious Goodwood festival in August.

Mellah was given the royal seal of approval last night when the Duchess of Cornwall attended the premiere of Riding A Dream, a documentary following her story, at the Ritzy cinema in Brixton.

The film charts Mellah’s journey from the charity Ebony Horse Club in Brixton as she prepares to compete in the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood.

She said: “Seeing myself on the big screen was I was like, ‘Oh wow, that’s me’.

By royal appointment: Camilla and Khadijah Mellah at the Ritzy  Photo: PA
PA

"Camilla was lovely, I have to say I did squeal a little bit when I first met her, then I had to say to myself, 'Camilla wouldn’t like that'.”

The University of Brighton engineering student, who is also the first hijab-wearing woman to win a horse race in the UK, added: “I’m really glad I managed to get a positive story out there about the Islamic community and women in Islam because there’s a stereotype that women can’t go out there and do things that the normal person is able to.

“I can see why I’m an inspiration, but I personally don’t see myself as that — I just feel like a normal human being.”

On her next steps in horse riding, Mellah said: “The Grand National isn’t in my sights just yet. I want to race my brother in a charity event. We’ve said 2021, and of course I could beat him.”

The documentary is due to air on ITV at 12.15pm on Saturday, following the Rugby World Cup Final.

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