Jerusalem

LONDON (Reuters) – Khadija Mallah of Beckham, in east London, took part in the Glorias Goodwood horse race on Thursday with 25,000 spectators, becoming the first woman to compete in the race.

This 18-year-old student is the first woman in Britain to participate in the context of horses wearing the hijab.

Khadija will compete in the Magnolia Cup, a women's only amateur charity event, with champion Victoria Pendleton and Vogue Williams.

"Since I was young, I would like to become someone who looks like people," Khadija told the BBC.

"I am already receiving messages from Muslim girls and I am happy to receive messages from everyone who touches them in a positive way." Khadija began to take an interest in horse racing seven years ago, but did not ride on horseback until April of this year.

"People are welcoming a new face in the field of horse racing," she said.

Sometimes it's hard for me to talk about my past again and again to many people, but I usually like to talk about how I started and my career right now, "he said. said Khadija.

According to the Association of Muslim Women for Sport, the number of Muslim women in Britain in the field of horse racing is "less than 10".

"On the Newmarket circuit, I'm trying to find another woman of color, but I've only referred to one of about 200 knights and knights," Khadija said. .

"But it does not scare me, it means that I talk to a lot of people and that I create a lot of new connections, and that's why I'm happy."

"I feel lucky that many people do not have the opportunity to represent others.

A documentary entitled "Taking a Dream" is being prepared for Khadija. "There is a stereotype that Muslim girls are unable to pursue their dreams in sport," she said.

Khadija attended the Brixton Ebony Horse Club when her mother found a flyer to advertise in the mosque.

During her horse training, Khadija did not drop out of school and was employed temporarily, as well as volunteering and training young riders at the Brixton Ebony Club.

"The horse racing was a bit difficult at first," said Khadija, "it was a worrying area and I was very nervous when I was taking a horse for the first time.

She says that she feels "confident" about the race, which is mingled with a "worry" about the enormity of the ordeal.

"I am very competitive, so it will mean a lot to me if I get to the top of the race, and I feel that many will celebrate if that happens.

"I had never thought of having a future in horse racing, but now that I have entered this field and I have become a great competitor in the races these past two weeks, I have enjoyed this domain and I think I will continue to do so. "