- Line-up of remarkable women announced for 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup.
- Money raised from the race will go to global Education Above All Foundation.
- Markel Magnolia Cup will take place on Thursday 30 July during Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar.
- Tickets and hospitality available at goodwood.com.
Goodwood Racecourse is delighted to announce an inspirational line‑up of riders for this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup, raising money for Education Above All Foundation.
Representing a wide range of backgrounds, these women have taken on the immense challenge of preparing for a competitive horserace. Their journey has demanded early mornings riding out, rigorous jockey fitness tests, assessments at the British Racing School and months of dedicated training to ensure they are ready for race day.
This year’s field includes an exceptional group of riders whose resilience extends well beyond the saddle. Among them are a breast cancer survivor, a microsurgeon specialising in reconstruction for women following cancer treatment, businesswomen, media personalities, a Riding A Dream Academy graduate and several international competitors.
Ladies’ Day on Thursday 30 July will see the culmination of this remarkable journey, as the 12 amateur jockeys line-up under starter’s orders and race down Goodwood’s famous home straight during the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
The charity race has raised more than £3.5 million since its launch in 2011, supporting children and female focused charities, while continuing to break boundaries for women in racing.
This year, the race will raise funds for Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education non-profit. The foundation transforms the lives of children and young people affected by poverty, conflict and disaster through education and employment opportunities and has supported more than 18 million children and young people across 77 countries since it was established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
The jockeys in training for the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup:
- Alice Hawker - Bloodstock assistant underwriter for Markel International
- Araminta Reed - Motorsport content creator
- Charlotte Littlefield - Australian racehorse trainer and broadcaster
- Gemma Owen - TV presenter and dressage rider
- Ilona Wells – Overcame hip replacement and double mastectomy, works in veterinary technology
- Imaan Rasul-Healer - Works in racing industry in Newmarket
- Jasmine Watts - Construction loss adjuster in London
- Jessica Chapplow - Founder of Heartificial Intelligence, Red Cross emergency responder, listed in Forbes 30 Under 30
- Joanna Bovis - Reconstructive microsurgeon at The Royal Marsden Hospital
- Molly Hunter - Sports and horseracing reporter at Press Association
- Nermina Pieters-Mekic - Real Housewives of Cheshire star, recently overcome breast cancer
- Ruth Inman - Riding A Dream Academy graduate
- Victoria Wang - Bloodstock agent based in Australia and China
- Zoey Schorsch - Executive for Audrain Group and creative director of ZDS Creative in US
- Bryony Harris (reserve) - Partnerships manager at Worcester Cricket Club and part-time rider for Dan Skelton
The Duke of Richmond said: “We are very much looking forward to supporting Education Above All Foundation as the charity partner of this year's Markel Magnolia Cup. Over the past 15 years, the Markel Magnolia Cup has become a powerful force for real and lasting change, championing women and raising more than £3.5 million for vital causes.
“I am confident that the generosity of our partners, sponsors and racegoers, as well as the dedication and commitment of our riders, will allow us to deliver meaningful support to Education Above All Foundation. We wish this year’s riders all the best in their training and look forward to seeing them race down Goodwood’s home straight in July.”
Jo Browning, Chief People Officer at Markel International, said: “As a global specialty insurer, we believe in the power of people coming together to make a difference. For us, the Markel Magnolia Cup is a standout event because it showcases the dedication and spirit of the outstanding riders and our employees – united in support of a great cause, while connecting people and purpose across the globe. We’re proud to continue this tradition again for 2026, raising funds that will help create learning and employment opportunities for young women and girls facing barriers to education through this year’s charity, Education Above All Foundation.”
Education Above All Foundation Director of Communications and Engagement, Al Jazi Darwish, said: “The Markel Magnolia Cup is a powerful example of how sport can be harnessed to drive meaningful change. These remarkable women are not only taking on a personal challenge but also standing in solidarity with millions of children around the world who are denied access to quality education. At Education Above All Foundation, we believe education is the most effective pathway to transform lives and build more peaceful, inclusive societies. The support generated through this initiative will help us continue reaching children and young people, especially girls and women affected by poverty, conflict, and crisis, ensuring they have the opportunity to learn, thrive, and shape their own futures.”
Chairman of Qatar Tourism and the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, HE. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, said: “The Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar brings together world class partnerships with a meaningful purpose and we are proud to support Qatar’s Education Above All Foundation as the chosen charity of the Markel Magnolia Cup. This partnership demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to hosting and supporting events that extend far beyond sport, creating real social impact on a global scale.”
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