- Zoey Schorsch is the first American to line-up for the Markel Magnolia Cup.
- Swapping motorsport for horsepower, Zoey Schorsch is an Executive at the Audrain Group, presenting partner of Goodwood’s Members’ Meeting.
- The Markel Magnolia Cup will take place on Thursday 30 July, during Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar.
Goodwood Racecourse is delighted to announce that this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup will welcome its first ever American competitor.
Exchanging the thrills of motorsport for the adrenaline of pure horsepower, Audrain Group Executive Zoey Schorsch will line-up under starters orders and race down Goodwood’s home straight on Thursday 30 July.
The prestigious charity race is the opening race on Ladies’ Day of Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar. Each year, the Markel Magnolia Cup welcomes leading women from business, sport, fashion and media to compete in the flat race, raising vital funds for charity. While none of the competitors are professional jockeys, each rider must complete months of intensive training and pass rigorous qualification tests.
An entrepreneur, artist and advocate for greater representation in traditionally exclusive industries, Zoey is using the race as an opportunity to challenge herself and inspire others.
The 26-year-old works as a business development and sponsorship specialist for Audrain Group, one of America’s leading automotive museums and motorsport organisations, which is the presenting partner of Goodwood’s Members’ Meeting.
Zoey has ridden since childhood on her family’s farms in Pennsylvania and Virginia but has never competed in a race on the scale of the Markel Magnolia Cup. Over the past months, Zoey has been training to qualify for the Markel Magnolia Cup, including strength training and learning to ride racehorses up to 40mph on both English and American soil.
Zoey is an LGBTQ activist who is passionate about expanding representation. She also advocates for animal welfare within the racing and equestrian communities, championing ethical care for horses during, and after, their competitive careers.
Zoey Schorsch said: “I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to represent the US and my company in the Markel Magnolia Cup. I never expected that I would train as a jockey, but I’m inspired by the race and the past and present women who compete.
“I’m proud to participate and hope that my story encourages others from all backgrounds to step forward with confidence and embrace surprising opportunities that can change our lives for the better.”
The chosen charity for the 15th running of the all-female race is Education Above All. Since its inception, the Markel Magnolia Cup has raised more than £3.5 million for charities supporting women and children.
Zoey will be documenting her journey on her social media channels and plans to create a documentary about the experience.
Tickets and hospitality for the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar are on sale now at goodwood.com.
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Notes to Editors:
The full line-up for the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup will be announced at the official launch on Thursday 23 April.
A total of 12 riders will take part in the race on Thursday 30 July.
Tickets
Tickets, dining, and hospitality for the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar are now available to purchase at goodwood.com.
Hospitality
In addition to tickets, Goodwood’s unrivalled hospitality packages are available to book for all 19 fixtures including Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar. Whether customers are looking for a great day out with friends, entertaining clients or celebrating something special, Goodwood’s hospitality provides the ultimate setting.
Contact
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About the Markel Magnolia Cup
On Thursday 30 July at the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar, 12 amateur jockeys will compete in the Markel Magnolia Cup after months of intensive training. The charity race brings together women from business, sport, fashion and media, all taking on the challenge to highlight resilience and redefine perceptions of women in sport. Previous riders include Olympians, CEOs, journalists and presenters such as Edie Campbell, Sara Cox, Rosie Tapner and Vogue Williams. Markel International underwriter Sophie Forsyth was crowned the winner in 2025.
The event has been a force for change in racing, most notably through Khadijah Mellah’s groundbreaking victory in 2019, becoming the first female Muslim in the UK to win a competitive horserace. Her success inspired the Riding A Dream Academy, supporting young people from diverse backgrounds, including jump jockey Aamilah Aswat.
This year’s race will support the Education Above All Foundation, with fundraising through race and horse sponsorship and the Regency Ball at Goodwood House.
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About Education Above All
Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. The EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education and employment opportunities. EAA believes that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To date, Education Above All has supported over 18.5 million children and youth in more than 75 countries, providing access to quality education and employment opportunities.
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About Audrain Group
Audrain Group is dedicated to preserving automotive history and inspiring the next generation of collectors and enthusiasts through a variety of offerings including the Audrain Automotive Museum, world-class events, educational programming, and a robust digital platform. Audrain Group’s mission is to bring automotive stories to life – revealing the cultural narratives behind the machines. For more information, visit audrainautomuseum.org.
