The prestigious 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup has raised a phenomenal £313,233.62 for local charity My Sisters’ House.
The all-female annual charity race was conceived over a decade ago, and takes place at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. It was Lizzie Jelfs and mount Reins Reigns Rains, trained by Harry Eustace, owned by The Macdougall Two and sponsored by Howden Group Holdings, who were victorious. Jelfs was joined alongside other riders in the race: Aamilah Aswat, Husna Aswat, Ellen Barber, Matilda Butcher, Eleanor Franchitti, Harriet Hemmings, Rebecca Haryett, Katherine Lindsay, Amy Moring, Lauren Price and Sophie Pumfrett.
This year’s total means the race has raised over £2.5 million for charitable causes since its inception. Goodwood is indebted to the title sponsor Markel, the horse sponsors’ generosity, the brave, courageous women riding and the racehorse trainers and owners who have supported the race, as well as fashion designer Rene Moshi Macdonald of fashion brand Lisou, who designed the jockey silks.
My Sisters’ House is the beneficiary charity, with all net proceeds going to support the work they do to support women to improve their welfare and wellbeing, helping to reduce their risk of domestic abuse and support recovery, and help them reach their goals for employment, education or training.
Avril Robinson, Acting CEO at My Sisters’ House, commented, “Being the chosen charity for the Markel Magnolia Cup has been one of the most significant opportunities for My Sisters’ House since its inception ten years ago. As a small, local charity, the funds raised will enable us to continue our excellent work in providing free-of-charge, life-changing services to women. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside the Goodwood and Markel teams, and, importantly, be inspired by the all-female line up of jockeys who have all demonstrated the grit to train and take part in such a prestigious event. They are role models for women everywhere – turning aspirations into realities.”
Simon Wilson, president of Markel International commented, “As a global specialist insurance provider, at Markel we believe that business can be a power for good. We have many ways in which we support our communities and wider society, but for us, the Markel Magnolia Cup is a standout event. From the unwavering commitment and courage shown by the jockeys, to the incredible charities like My Sisters' House that work tirelessly to support their cause, this event demonstrates that everyone has the power to make a difference. Alongside the dedication from the Goodwood and Markel teams to deliver an outstanding experience for all, this team effort makes this event one to watch each year, and is a privilege for Markel to be involved with.”
The Markel Magnolia Cup will take place on Ladies’ Day at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in 2025, which falls on Thursday 31st July. Applications for the race in 2025 have now closed and riders wishing to participate in 2026 can apply online at https://www.goodwood.com/horseracing/qatar-goodwood-festival/magnolia-cup/.
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Notes to Editors:
Goodwood’s 2025 horseracing fixture dates:
- Season Opener: Friday 2 May & Saturday 3 May
- May Festival: Friday 23 May & Saturday 24 May
- Three Friday Nights: Friday 6 June, Friday 13 June & Friday 20 June
- Family Race Day: Sunday 8 June
- Qatar Goodwood Festival: Tuesday 29 July to Saturday 2 August
- August Bank Holiday Weekend: Friday 22 August, Saturday 23 August & Sunday 24 August
- Midweek Racing: Tuesday 2 September & Wednesday 24 September
- Season Finale: Sunday 12 October
Tickets and hospitality for the 2025 horseracing events will go on sale in early December. Customers can register for ticket alerts now at goodwood.com and will be notified as soon as tickets become available.
Contact
For more information about the Markel Magnolia Cup, please contact Emma Chamings, Marketing & Communications Manager: Emma.Chamings@goodwood.com
For more information about Goodwood’s events, please contact Katharine Morgan, PR Manager: Katharine.Morgan@goodwood.com
For all other press enquiries please contact: media@goodwood.com
Imagery and news from Goodwood are available from our Press & Media site.
Stay up to date with all future announcements and on-event action across our social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
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Media accreditation
Media accreditation for Goodwood’s horseracing fixtures will open in 2025.
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About the Qatar Goodwood Festival
The Qatar Goodwood Festival is one of the undisputed highlights of the British flat racing season. Steeped in racing heritage, the first public race meeting took place at Goodwood Racecourse in 1802, and over the decades, the meeting has attracted the very best equine athletes from the UK and around the world. Affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, the world-famous five-day festival is a sporting and social occasion like no other, unrivalled style, superb racing, and hospitality experiences to savour mean it’s not to be missed.
About Markel International
Markel International is a division of Markel Corporation, a US-based holding company trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MKL). Markel International writes insurance and reinsurance business through six divisions and offices across the UK, Europe, Canada, and Asia Pacific. Markel International’s insuring entities include Syndicate 3000, Markel International Insurance Company Limited, and Markel Insurance SE. Its UK national markets business also provides legal and professional fees insurance cover as well as legal and tax consultancy services. For more information, please visit: www.markelinternational.com
About My Sisters’ House
Helping women thrive, not just survive
My Sisters’ House is a women’s centre operating across the Arun and Chichester Districts working with women to improve their welfare and wellbeing, reduce their risk of domestic abuse and support recovery, and help them reach their goals for employment, education or training.
Founded in 2014, the charity supports any self-identifying women with multiple disadvantages, offering wrap-around support, specialising in domestic abuse, wellbeing and welfare. In 2015 My Sisters’ House supported 28 clients, but by 2023 this increased dramatically to 1756 new clients (on top of existing ones), showing the escalation of need within the West Sussex community.
With a mission to help women “thrive, not just survive”, My Sisters’ House provides trauma-informed, holistic support in responsive, women’s-only spaces. With two hubs in the heart of the local communities of Chichester and Bognor Regis, the highly-trained team acts as ‘the net-beneath-the-net’, being the consistent, non-judgmental advocate for women with multiple and complex needs. For more information, please visit: www.mysistershouse.info
