Goodwood Racecourse has announced that the 2025 Markel Magnolia Cup raised a record-breaking amount for this year’s chosen charity.

The annual charity race for amateur female jockeys, which takes place during the Qatar Goodwood Festival, raised £834,170 for King’s Trust International’s Project Lehar. 

This year, the race was won by Sophie Forsyth, an international underwriter at Markel, and Woodcote Girl who is trained by Ed de Giles and owned by The Woodham Walter Partnership.

“We are proud to have raised such a significant sum for King’s Trust International’s Project Lehar with this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup,” said the Duke of Richmond who owns the Goodwood Estate.

‘A standout moment’

“Over the past 14 years, the race has become a standout moment at the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar, championing women in sport and raising significant funds for charities that support women and children.

“We are incredibly grateful to Markel for its continued support of this special charity race, involvement in the riders’ journeys and for playing a huge part in raising an outstanding £834,170 this year.”

Since its inception in 2011, the race has raised more than £3.5 million for charitable causes.

“We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Markel and the Magnolia Cup, which has enabled us to raise an incredible £834,170,” said Will Straw, chief executive of King’s Trust International.

“These funds will play a vital role in supporting Project Lehar, our women’s economic empowerment programme. This will transform the lives of women and girls from disadvantaged families in rural India and have a knock-on effect uplifting their wider communities as well.”

This year’s Markel Magnolia Cup field.

A dozen jockeys

Joining winner Sophie Forsyth in this year’s race were Sienna Anderson, Nina Barbour, Jaimee Broadley, Madeleine Bunbury, Charlotte Emery, Philippa Hartrick-Morris, Elizabeth Hiscox, Kate Hutchins, Lois Logan, Sabaya Verger and Eleanor Wellesley.

“The Markel Magnolia Cup perfectly reflects the values we hold at Markel as a people-powered business, from determination and resilience, to the power of purpose,” said Andrew McMellin, president of Markel International.

“The commitment shown by this year’s riders has been nothing short of incredible, and we’re proud to have continued Markel’s legacy of giving through our Markel Match programme, tripling donations for our two riders and supporting all 12 participants.

“From championing women of all backgrounds in sport to supporting causes like Project Lehar, we’re delighted to be able to demonstrate that business can be a power for good.”

Images © Max Carter.

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