Mellah, who is riding today to raise funds for the Wellbeing of Women healthcare charity, is already the subject of an upcoming documentary, Riding A Dream, about her journey into horse racing. While preparing for her debut race, the talented teenager has also balanced studying for her A-levels and working a part-time job, as well as continuing to help volunteer and mentor younger riders at the Ebony Horse Club every week.

When Mellah rides today, she will take major strides forward to the positive representation of Muslim women in sport, following in the footsteps of athletes like Ibtihaj Muhammad, who became the first hijabi athlete to represent the USA for fencing at the Rio Olympics and went on to win a bronze medal, and Sisterhood FC, a football team for women who wear the hijab.

But even as we celebrate the progress, we also need to acknowledge that the world of sports needs to become vastly inclusive and accessible in order to encourage the involvement of Muslim women and girls. Only then will we see role models like Mellah competing in the spotlight, and changing the narrative of who gets to become an athlete once and for all.

The Magnolia Cup takes place at 1.20pm on 1 August at Goodwood Racecourse.

Image: Great British Racing

Teenage jockey Khadijah Mellah is fearlessly defying stereotypes about Muslim women in sport