Inspirational line-up announced for this year’s Magnolia Cup
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 23 Apr 2026
An inspirational line-up of lady amateur riders has been announced by Goodwood Racecourse for this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup which will raise money for the Education Above All Foundation.
It was revealed earlier this week that Michael Owen’s daughter, professional dressage rider and presenter Gemma Owen, would be among those competing in the annual charity race on the Sussex Downs and she will be joined by 11 others from a wide range of backgrounds.
The race has raised more than £3.5million since its launch in 2011 and the Duke of Richmond, chairman of the Goodwood estate, 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 £3.5million for vital causes.
Gemma Owen will take part in the Magnolia Cup (Matt Alexander Media Assignments)
“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 (the) 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.”
This year’s race will also feature Real Housewives of Cheshire star and breast cancer survivor Nermina Pieters-Mekic, while Riding A Dream Academy graduate Ruth Inman will attempt to follow in the footsteps of former Magnolia Cup winner Khadijah Mellah who took home the trophy in 2019.
International interest is provided by Australian racehorse trainer and broadcaster Charlotte Littlefield, with Zoey Schorsch a first American woman to grace the Goodwood turf.
Molly Hunter is riding in the race for the first time (Matt Alexander Media Assignments)
One participant who is a regular visitor to the Qatar Goodwood Festival is the Press Association’s Molly Hunter, who will this year temporarily close her laptop and swap the press room for the starting line.
Although an adept rider, she has been fine-tuning her skills on the famous Newmarket gallops, as well as at the British Racing School.
Hunter said: “I’ve covered the race as a journalist for the past five years, now the shoe is on the other foot as I’ve taken on the challenge with some firm persuasion from my friends in the press room.
“Prior to starting my training, I had very little experience riding racehorses, and had barely any experience in the gym, so it has been a steep but very rewarding learning curve.”
This year’s race down Goodwood’s home straight will take place on Thursday July 30, which is Ladies’ Day during the track’s showpiece summer meeting.
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