The Qatar Goodwood Festival, commonly known as Glorious Goodwood, will run from Tuesday, 30 July to Saturday, 3 August 2024. This event is renowned for its top-tier flat racing, including notable races such as the Goodwood Cup, Sussex Stakes, and Nassau Stakes.
But there is another race we love to be involved with. The Markel Magnolia Cup, set for Thursday, 1 August, at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, promises to be a remarkable event. This year marks the 13th running of the all-female charity race, which continues to support significant causes and inspire with its lineup of dedicated amateur riders.
Supporting My Sisters’ House
Since its inception, the Markel Magnolia Cup has raised an impressive £2.4 million for charitable causes. In 2024, the race will support My Sisters’ House, a women’s centre based in West Sussex. This charity focuses on improving the welfare and well-being of self-identifying women, helping them reduce their risk of domestic abuse and supporting their recovery. Operating across two hubs in the Arun District and Chichester, My Sisters’ House assists women in achieving their goals in employment, education, or training through the Thrive Employability programme.
Avril Robinson, Acting CEO of My Sisters’ House, expressed her gratitude: “We are beyond delighted to be the chosen charity of the Markel Magnolia Cup this year. As a local charity, run by women for women, we love what the Markel Magnolia Cup stands for and has achieved in terms of championing women and women's opportunities. We’re excited to work with Goodwood and Markel on this wonderful event, which will make such a difference to us as a charity and to the rapidly growing numbers of vulnerable women we support in the local community.”
An Inspirational Line-Up of Riders
The 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup features a truly inspirational lineup of twelve women who embody the race’s values of empowerment and resilience. Most of these riders are novices in horseracing, having never ridden a racehorse until their training began. Their journey requires total commitment, excellence, and hard work, reflecting the race’s mission to overcome boundaries within the sport and create an inclusive community.
The riders set to contest the five-and-a-half-furlong race down Goodwood Racecourse’s straight include:
- Aamilah Aswat – Riding a Dream Academy Graduate
- Amy Moring – Entrepreneur and Founder of Food Brand, Hunter & Gather
- Rebecca Haryett – Lead Physiotherapist in the British Army
- Ellen Barber – International Heptathlete
- Eleanor Franchitti – Global Head of Business Development at Caxton Associates
- Harriet Hemmings – Rural Chartered Surveyor
- Lady Katherine Lindsay – Property and Projects Manager, Congenital Abnormality Survivor
- Lauren Price – Social Media at ITV Racing & World Horse Racing
- Lizzie Jelfs – Leading Australian Racing Presenter
- Matilda Butcher – Performance Marketing at Harrods
- Sophie Pumfrett – Successful Model
Goodwood Racecourse has announced that going forward, a place will be offered in the Markel Magnolia Cup every year to a student of the Riding A Dream Academy. This year, Aamilah Aswat will be the first graduated student to line up in the race, five years after Khadijah Mellah made history by winning the same race in 2019. Inkerman are delighted to once again be the Official Trophy Supplier to Goodwood Racecourse for the Festival and will be providing trophies for the Magnolia Cup Winners.
Fundraising and Community Impact
Simon Wilson, President of Markel International, commented: “Markel has enjoyed a successful partnership with Goodwood for over a decade, and in the past few years, we’ve taken this a step further with our sponsorship of The Markel Magnolia Cup. This race represents far more than what happens on the day itself; it’s about people coming together to champion and raise money for charitable causes that provide essential support to vulnerable people and communities around the world. I have the greatest admiration for the riders, many of whom dedicate months of their time to training and fundraising so they can take on this challenge. I’m looking forward to learning more about them and about My Sisters’ House and the impact this year’s event will have on the valuable work they’re doing. It’s fantastic to be a part of something that will continue to make a difference long after the race has taken place.”
Fundraising has now begun for the 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup via Just Giving. Tickets, dining, and hospitality are on sale for the Qatar Goodwood Festival, which takes place from 30 July to 3 August. Visit Goodwood.com or call 01243 755055 to find out more.
History and Notable Moments
The Markel Magnolia Cup was first introduced in 2011 with the vision of promoting female empowerment and inclusivity within the sport of horseracing. Over the years, the race has become a platform for women from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents and commitment.
One of the most memorable moments in the history of the Markel Magnolia Cup occurred in 2019 when Khadijah Mellah became the first hijab-wearing jockey to win a competitive British horserace. Her victory not only made headlines but also underscored the event’s dedication to breaking down barriers and promoting diversity.
Another significant aspect of the Magnolia Cup’s history is its ongoing collaboration with high-profile fashion designers to create bespoke silks for the jockeys. Designers like Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, and Alice Temperley have contributed to the race’s unique style, merging the worlds of fashion and horseracing.
Since its inception, the race has raised substantial funds for various charities, reflecting its commitment to making a positive impact beyond the racetrack. The 2024 race continues this legacy, supporting My Sisters’ House and its mission to aid women in need.
Get Involved
Fundraising has now begun for the 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup via Just Giving here.
Tickets, dining and hospitality are on sale for the Qatar Goodwood Festival, which takes place from 30 July to 3 August. Visit Goodwood.com or call 01243 755055 to find out more.
For more details on the event, including ticket purchases and donation opportunities, visit the Goodwood website or their Just Giving page to support the cause directly.
You can watch this Interview with Lauren Price about riding in the Magnolia Cup below, or on YouTube and it was also transcribed by the team at Sports Star.
