Brixton Teenager Set for Racecourse Debut on Moore-Trained Favourite at Plumpton
Hezekiah March, a 19-year-old from Brixton in South London, is poised to make his highly anticipated racecourse debut on Monday at Plumpton. The young amateur jockey will partner with Lumi Plugin, a last-time-out winner trained by the father-son duo of Gary and Josh Moore, in the Johnnie Boden Backs Jamie's Farm Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase at 2.35pm.
Riding A Dream Academy's Latest Success Story
Hezekiah March represents the latest promising talent to emerge from the Riding A Dream Academy, an initiative dedicated to supporting young people from diverse ethnic communities in pursuing careers within the sport of horse racing. His journey from Brixton to the racecourse underscores the academy's mission of creating accessible pathways into the industry.
"I've been with Gary and Josh for nearly three years now and have worked hard, gained everyone's trust and moved up the ranks," Hezekiah said, reflecting on his progression. "Going to the races and leading up horses and seeing them win is some feeling, but now that I have the chance to actually race myself the revs are up and the adrenaline is off the charts. Lumi Plugin is a lovely horse, a great ride and likes Plumpton so I can't wait to get out there."
A Path Forged Through Dedication and Support
Hezekiah's path to this debut has been marked by significant milestones and dedicated support. Growing up in Brixton, he first engaged with horse riding through the Ebony Horse Club. His talent and determination earned him a scholarship place with the Riding A Dream Academy, followed by the completion of an apprenticeship programme at the British Racing School.
Nearly three years ago, he joined the Moore's yard near Horsham in West Sussex, where he has steadily honed his skills. After obtaining his amateur jockey's licence in 2025, he gained valuable experience riding in two point-to-point races, setting the stage for his official racecourse debut.
Trailblazing Success for the Academy
Hezekiah's debut comes shortly after another notable achievement for the Riding A Dream Academy. Earlier this month, 20-year-old Aamilah Aswat made history by becoming the first British female black jump jockey to ride a winner, achieving the feat at Kempton on only her fourth ride. Aamilah was part of the academy's inaugural scholarship programme in 2021-22, which was established following Khadijah Mellah's victory in the Magnolia Cup in 2019.
Naomi Lawson, co-founder of the Riding A Dream Academy, expressed immense pride in Hezekiah's accomplishment. "The first time I met Hezekiah he talked about becoming a jockey and so for him to have had such laser focus and have reached his dream is just a huge achievement," she stated. "He is another trailblazer who shows the importance of having accessible pathways, opportunities and support to help every young person achieve their dream in the sport. We are so grateful to the Racing Foundation for funding these programmes and to Gary, Josh and the team for having supported Hez for all these years and giving him this opportunity."
The academy's continued success highlights a growing movement within British horse racing to foster diversity and inclusion, providing young talents from varied backgrounds with the resources and mentorship needed to thrive. Hezekiah March's debut at Plumpton is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the impactful work of initiatives like the Riding A Dream Academy in shaping the future of the sport.
