It is not the sound of applause that drives Maidah Asim, nor the smell of freshly cut grass on race day. For Pakistan’s second licensed female jockey, it’s the heartbeat of a thoroughbred beneath her – steady yet electric – that fuels her every stride.
Maidah’s journey began far from the limelight of the Lahore Race Club. As a child, she would watch in fascination as horses thundered down the track, never imagining that one day she would be among them. Encouraged by her father, (Asim Shahzad Khan), a prominent figure of the Lahore Race Club) she began formal riding lessons, where the bond between rider and horse became more than sport – it became her calling.
The turning point arrived during the Derby of 2024. “It was like watching a dream gallop past,” she recalls. “That’s when I decided I wouldn’t just be a spectator anymore.” From that day, the road to the starting gates became her singular focus.
But breaking into the male-dominated world of horse racing demanded more than passion. For her debut race on 10 August 2025, Maidah underwent a punishing weight-cut regime – days of wearing sauna suits in scorching heat, surviving on ORS and lemon water, and pushing through dizziness and fatigue. “I lost five kilograms in three days,” she admits, “but when you want something badly enough, you find a way.”
She was not without guidance. Pakistan’s first female jockey, Alishba Mohsin, became both mentor and role model, sharing everything from race-day mental preparation to the ritual of reciting Ayat al-Kursi and Darood Shareef before mounting up. Still, Maidah faced skepticism and thinly veiled jealousy. “Some people thought a woman couldn’t control a racehorse. I was determined to prove them wrong,” she says.
Her debut was more than just a race – it was a statement. The crowd watched as she manoeuvred her mount with precision, a visual reminder that skill, not gender, defines a jockey. The moment resonated beyond the railings of the Lahore Race Club.
Maidah’s ambitions extend far beyond Pakistan’s borders. She dreams of competing internationally, meeting her idol Hollie Doyle, and mentoring the next generation of female riders. But she is just as focused on reshaping the sport at home. She envisions the Lahore Race Club hosting school and university trips to ignite young interest, securing sponsorships to support female jockeys, and even holding regular all-women’s races.
Her vision, however, hinges on visibility. “Most people in Pakistan don’t even know horse racing exists here,” she laments. “If the media shows our races, if brands support us, it will inspire more women to come forward.”
Until then, she continues to train – nursing the occasional injury, braving the early morning rides, and preparing for the next challenge. Her story is one of resilience, grit, and defiance in the face of tradition. And as the gates open for her next race, one thing is certain: Maidah is not just riding for herself. She’s riding for every woman who’s ever dreamed of taking the reins.
Quick Facts
Name: Maidah Asim; Age: 20; First Race Date: August 10, 2025, Lahore Race Club;
Mentor: Alishba Mohsin (Pakistan’s first female jockey)
Riding Idol: Hollie Doyle (British champion jockey).
Career Milestones: Transitioned from recreational riding to professional training in under two years.
Overcame a rapid 5kg weight cut in three days for her debut race.
Debuted as Pakistan’s second female jockey at Lahore Race Club.
Aspires to compete internationally and mentor future female jockeys.
Her quote of the day : “Skill, not gender, defines a jockey. The saddle doesn’t care who’s on it – only how well you ride.”- Maidah
