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| Rowan Anderson |
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FIRST FEMALE
Her trousers were emblazoned for all to see as she rode home her mount and in doing so she made history.
Amal bint Faisal made history on Friday night becoming the first female jockey to race under rules in Saudi Arabia.
Aboard Saanehah she finished fourth but in doing so she rang in the milestone at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, as the first licensed Saudi Arabian female to compete as a jockey under rules in the country.
Faisal became the first Saudi woman to gain a jockey’s licence from the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) in October of last year, and now stands as the first and only licensed local female jockey to have competed professionally in her country.
Speaking after the win she reflected on the milestone proudly as she told media.
“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.
“Prince Bandar and Prince Abdullah bin Khalid overcame all odds and contributed to my goal of achieving this dream. I also want to thank the owner, Abdulelah Al Mousa, for his moral and financial support throughout my career.
“Special thanks to coach Bandar Hamdam, who made me a jockey on the field, I owe this achievement to him. And I do not forget the great role of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia in preparing all that is necessary to be the first female jockey to actively participate in the races.
“I promise to continue giving and to set an example for all the daughters of the country in riding horses as a professional jockey.”