Breaking barriers: The rise of Maidah Asim, Pakistan’s second female jockey

Breaking barriers: The rise of Maidah Asim, Pakistan’s second female jockey

 

Asher Butt

In the high-adrenaline world of horse racing, where speed, skill, and split-second decisions decide victory, Maidah Asim has emerged as a trailblazer. At just a year and eight months into professional training, she has galloped into the record books as Pakistan’s second licensed female jockey — a title that comes with grit, sacrifice, and an unyielding drive to prove herself.

 

From childhood rides to racing glory

Maidah’s connection with horses began long before she understood the concept of professional sports. "I started riding when I was around four or five years old," she recalls. "It was more of a fun activity back then." The turning point came when she joined the Lahore Race Club (LRC) for formal training. Just two weeks into the program, she was captivated by the world of competitive racing — the rush of the track, the roar of the crowd, and the unique bond with her horse. Watching the Derby 2024 sealed her decision: she was going to become a jockey.

 

The idea wasn’t entirely her own. "Honestly, it was my father’s idea from the start," Maidah admits. His (father Asim Shahzad Khan, a businessman and a prominent figure of the Lahore Race Club) encouragement, along with the constant motivation from her family, helped her persevere through challenges and reach the milestone of becoming Pakistan’s second female jockey.

 

The gruelling path to the starting gate

The journey was far from easy. Training demanded not only skill but also extreme physical discipline. Weight management became a daily battle. Before her debut race on 10th August 2025, Maidah went on a drastic regimen to meet race requirements — consuming only ORS water and lemon water for days while training in the sweltering afternoon heat, sometimes wearing a sauna suit. "It was mentally and physically exhausting," she says, "but it taught me discipline and commitment."

 

Injuries also tested her resolve. Periods of bed rest for neck and back pain could have ended her career before it began. Instead, they became fuel for her ambition. "Not once did I think of quitting," she insists. "Those moments made me even more determined."

 

Making history on the track

Her first declared race was a defining moment — the culmination of years of preparation. Standing at the starting gate, she silently recited Ayat al-Kursi and Darood Shareef, a practice passed on to her by Alishba Mohsin, Pakistan’s first female jockey and now a mentor and friendly rival. The race itself was a blur of adrenaline, strategy, and instinct. Crossing that finish line wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a symbolic stride for every Pakistani girl who dreams of breaking into male-dominated arenas.

 

Breaking stereotypes and facing challenges

While Maidah hasn’t faced open hostility, she’s aware of undercurrents of jealousy and skepticism. Many in Pakistan still know little about horse racing, and female jockeys are rare enough to be treated as novelties. She takes such reactions in stride, choosing to focus on performance rather than criticism. "The biggest misconception is that women can’t control strong horses," she says. "Technique, balance, and connection matter far more than brute strength."

 

A vision beyond personal glory

Maidah’s ambitions stretch beyond her own career. She advocates for increased media coverage of horse racing — particularly women’s events — and believes that exposure from a young age is key. She suggests that institutions like the LRC arrange school and university trips to races, much like her own formative experiences.

 

She’s also vocal about the need for sponsorships to support training, equipment, and travel expenses. "Without financial backing, it’s hard for female jockeys to progress," she notes.

 

Her ultimate dream? To race internationally and perhaps face off against her idol, Hollie Doyle, one of the world’s leading female jockeys. Alongside her competitive goals, she hopes to mentor young women entering the sport, passing on the guidance and faith that shaped her own journey.

 

The road ahead

With her debut already behind her, Maidah is hungry for more victories — and more firsts. She envisions a future where all-female races are a regular feature in Pakistan, where representation isn’t an exception but the norm. "This is just the beginning," she declares. "I want to show every girl out there that no dream is too big — no matter how many barriers stand in your way."

 

Maidah Asim’s story isn’t just about horse racing. It’s about courage, perseverance, and challenging tradition. As she rides forward, she carries with her the hopes of a new generation — one that refuses to be told what they can or cannot achieve.