TV presenter and dressage rider Gemma Owen heads an inspirational line-up of women for this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup, a ladies-only charity race which will take place on Thursday 30 July during the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
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.
The women have undertaken months of dedicated training as preparation for race day, including many early mornings riding out, rigorous jockey fitness tests and assessments at the British Racing School.
This year, the race will raise money for Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education non-profit organisation. 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.
Full line-up
The jockeys in training for the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup are:
- 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
‘A powerful force for change’
“We are very much looking forward to supporting Education Above All Foundation as the charity partner of this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup,” said The Duke of Richmond.
“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.”
Images © Matt Alexander.
