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| Staff Writer |
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Amal bint Faisal is a game-changer in horse racing and she proved it by becoming the first female jockey to ride in Saudi Arabia.
She was the first female jockey to gain a jockey’s licence at the end of last year and in her first race, she finished fourth, achieving what may have been seen as unlikely for female jockeys in the Kingdom.
Growing up in Riyadh, the majestic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, amplified the sense of achievement and enriched the experience with a profound sense of self-identity.
“It brings me pride and joy.
Early Beginnings
“All of this happened because of Prince Mohammed bin Salman's support for Saudi women, according to his refined vision, and today we are reaping the success of this support in front of the whole world.”
With no family connections in racing, she was introduced to the sport outside of the typical horse racing route.
“I am the eldest of the family.
“I was introduced to the sport by horse owner and businessman, Sheikh Abdulelah Al-Mousa.
“I began in endurance racing.”
Before the race she was training at the local racecourse, Al-Janadriyah.
“I got my first local license from it in 2020 but my global and international launch was in the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, may God rest his soul.”
The country’s vision for the next step of racing, alongside the support from people such as Al-Mousa, a backer of hers since the beginning, helped make the achievement far easier for bint Faisal.
“The experience was smooth and devoid of difficulties because of the support that was provided to me on a personal level from people close to me.
“Those people such as Abdulelah Al-Mousa, who provided me with financial and moral support, and my trainer, Coach Bandar Hamdam, who I consider my spiritual father in the field.
“Also during my beginnings, the generosity of Prince Saud bin Salman paved a bridge of gold for these international races.”
Riding For Equality
In the race her breeches were emblazoned for all to see, First Female, as she rode home her mount and in doing so she made history.
The plan for her to wear this message goes back a few years and bint Faisal carries it in her core as the key message underpinning her career.
“Yes God willing, this is linked to my name, which I made 3 years ago, and I consider it my brief story.
“I am the designer (of the breeches).
“Saudi women are capable of succeeding in any difficult field such as this sport, and as Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed and described his people, and I among them, our essence is like a Tuwaiq mountain.
“That passion continues to push me towards the top and here we are in the vanguard to the summit, God willing, and I will not back down.”
Aboard Saanehah she finished fourth but in doing so she rang in the milestone at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, and now stands as the first and only licensed local female jockey to have competed professionally in her country.
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Happiness All The Way
Speaking after the win she reflected on the milestone proudly and passionately.
“I feel proud that I kept my promise to everyone who supported me and stood by me, and I dedicate this victory to my family, specifically my mother, who has supported me throughout my career since the beginning.”
That promise is one she speaks on and as she told us is one she will continue to work towards fulfilling throughout her career.
“My promise was to be thankful and grateful, through my professional performance, to everyone who supported me on that journey, and to achieve great success for the stable that opened its doors for me (Samawi Stable).
“Also to Bandar Hamdam Stable who has been my personal trainer and companion in my career for the last three years.
“I learned from him how to ride for the races and soaked the basics from scratch, what especially helped is that he used to ride and then became a trainer.”
Anticipating New Journeys
With this experience as her first run, she now looks to the future and the racecourses she would love to compete in and the cup she dreams of winning.
“I hope to race in Jebel Ali and Meydan in Dubai, as well as Ascot in the United Kingdom, God willing.
“The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Cup, may God protect him.”
The race inspires her to reach ‘the golden podium’ and to become a role model for every daughter of Saudi who aspires to achieve her dream.
“I promise to continue giving and to set an example for all the daughters of the country in riding horses as a professional jockey.”
“My dreams are to represent myself, my family, and my country well on every international stage.”