'What an amazing group of women' – powerful moment jockeys take the knee before Magnolia Cup at Glorious Goodwood | The Sun
INSPIRATIONAL Ashleigh Wicheard sent out a powerful message after winning the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood on Dark Shot.
Wicheard wore special ‘black power’ riding gloves as she blasted to victory.
Her fellow riders took the knee alongside her in the paddock before the charity race and gave her their full support as she made a ‘black power’ salute.
In the race Wicheard fired Dark Shot away at the start and made all on the Scott Dixon-trained runner who is due to run at Goodwood again tomorrow.
Wicheard said: “That was an absolute thrill.
“I’ve been thinking the race over in my head for so long and this was the dream outcome.
“I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet.”
Wicheard hopes her success will encourage others to follow her lead.
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She said: “If I can be a role model for black women and get more of them into the sport, then I’ll be very happy. That is my goal.”
The 36-year-old is a work rider for Bath trainer Neil Mulholland.
But she has also worked in specialist schools supporting children with autism, as well as helping rehabilitate young offenders after their release from prison.
And she has worked hard to promote diversity in racing through the Women In Racing programme.
Wicheard reckons there are signs of change. She said: “This is a sport that I am invested in. I have been trying hard to promote diversity, by being a face in the paddock.
“I take horses to the races, so I’m regularly seen in the paddock. That’s a good start and I think things are starting to change.
“When the Magnolia Cup came along, I felt it was a really good platform for me to be able to do something on a big stage.
“Winning this race is probably the most impactful thing I could do.
“You can talk about it and read about it, but actions speak louder than words.
“I thought very carefully about taking the knee. I’d like to think me taking the knee will make more people aware and improve things.
“I didn’t want to put pressure on the other girls in case they weren’t keen on the message. But they were so supportive. What an amazing group of women.”
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