By Duane Fonseca
Amal bint Faisal made racing history in Saudi Arabia last Friday by becoming the first licensed Saudi female to compete as a jockey under rules in the country. Underlining the importance of her achievement, Amal wore breeches reading ‘First Female’ as she was given the leg up on Saanehah, making her debut quite the talking point after securing fourth place in a 1600m fillies maiden for horses bred locally at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh last Friday.
Last after the break Amal and Saanehah had plenty of ground to make up even after turning for home, but finding her way along the rail, the 30yo, who became the first Saudi woman to gain a jockey’s licence from the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) last October, sneaked past numerous others ahead of her to sneak into fourth.
“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,” Amal said, according to a press note issued by the JCSA.
“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.”
