Iqbal Khan, a 55-year-old jockey from Pakistan who moved to Ireland 22 years ago, has recently achieved his first and second career wins at Dundalk racecourse, just days apart. Despite working in Jim Bolger’s yard for a decade, Khan only began riding competitively in 2023 as a 7lb apprentice. His initial ride sparked controversy due to excessive use of the whip, resulting in a ten-day ban. However, he returned to claim victory on the Tony Mullins-trained horse Lahore Da King, owned by his son-in-law Mudassar Rafiq, who expressed great pride in Khan’s accomplishments.

Khan, who is known for his fitness and love of horses, celebrated his back-to-back wins draped in a Pakistan flag, highlighting his enduring passion for racing despite his late start. Rafiq praised both Khan and trainer Mullins for their efforts, emphasizing the special nature of these wins for their family. Khan now primarily rides for his son-in-law and Mullins, proving that age and a late start need not hinder success in horse racing.