Magnolia Cup is an undoubted Goodwood success story - 15 years on from being greeted by doubters
It’s 15 years since the Magnolia Cup was first run during Glorious Goodwood. And while some initially felt it would intrude on the ‘proper’ racing at the festival, it’s now an integral part of the week – and one which raises huge amounts for charity.
The race involves amateur female riders – each taking part after months of intensive training which for some has marked their first time on a horse – chasing down the Goodwood straight to open Ladies’ Day and raise the profile of a different good cause every year.
Adam Waterworth was new to Goodwood when the Magnolia Cup was first tried – at the same time that the annual Three Friday Nights also raised a few eyebrows among members. He is now chief executive of the estate, and delighted by the enduring success and popularity of the Magnolia Cup.
The race has raised more than £3.5m for charities since its launch in 2011, supporting children and female-focused charities, while continuing to break boundaries for women in racing. And that total will rise a fair bit more this year.
"It is,” said Waterworth to our suggestion the race is now an essential part of the festival and Thursday’s Ladies’ Day. “When we first did it there were a few raised eyebeows as to whether a race like that had a place at a week like Glorious.
"I remember some of the racing journalists getting quite shirty about it actually. But 15 years on it’s a massive part of the week. In terms of PR for the week it’s huge. The amount of good it does in terms of raising money is impressive, but on top of that it’s an established part of the week and that’s the best thing you can say about it.
"People know about it, they look forward to it, they engage with it.”
Waterworth reflected on the 2019 race which made international headlines and hit newspaper front pages when Khadijah Mellah became the first British female Muslim jockey to win a race in the UK.
Despite being new to horse racing, she won the Magnolia Cup on Haverland – yet was the youngest and the least-experienced jockey of the 12-strong field.
A star was born and Khadijah’s story was the subject of a TV documentary Riding A Dream. She was named as The Times’ young sportswoman of the year.
There is now a Riding A Dream Academy, co-founded by Khadijah in 2021, where others have followed in her footsteps.
Waterworth said: “The race produced the story of Khadijah and she’s been a massive breath of fresh air for racing. And I think her story sums up how the Magnolia Cup has been a force for good.”
So what – and who – can Goodwood race-goers expect to see this year? And will there be another story to emerge like the one we witnessed seven years ago?
Perhaps that will come from one of two local riders in the line-up – Charlotte Littlefield, who grew up near Midhurst, and Araminta Reed, who is from Bedham.
This year’s Magnolia Cup, again sponsored by Markel, who have backed the event for a number of years, will raise money for Education Above All Foundation.
Goodwood said: “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 Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global education non-profit foundation that transforms the lives of children and young people affected by poverty, conflict and disaster – which it does 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.
The jockeys who have been 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 double hip resurfacing and repair for impingement and a double mastectomy, works in veterinary technology; Jasmine Watts - Construction loss adjuster in London; 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; Imaan Rasul-Healer (Reserve) - Works in racing industry in Newmarket; Bryony Harris (Reserve) - Partnerships manager at Worcester Cricket Club and part-time rider for Dan Skelton.
The Duke of Richmond said: “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. And we are very much looking forward to supporting Education Above All Foundation as the charity partner of this year's event.
“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.”
Education Above All Foundation Director of Communications and Engagement, Al Jazi Darwish, said: “The Markel Magnolia Cup is a powerful example of how sport can be harnessed to drive meaningful change. These remarkable women are not only taking on a personal challenge but also standing in solidarity with millions of children around the world who are denied access to quality education.
"At Education Above All Foundation, we believe education is the most effective pathway to transform lives and build more peaceful, inclusive societies. The support generated through this initiative will help us continue reaching children and young people, especially girls and women affected by poverty, conflict, and crisis, ensuring they have the opportunity to learn, thrive, and shape their own futures.”
Jo Browning, Chief People Officer at sponsor Markel International, said: “As a global specialty insurer, we believe in the power of people coming together to make a difference. For us, the Markel Magnolia Cup is a standout event because it showcases the dedication and spirit of the outstanding riders and our employees – united in support of a great cause, while connecting people and purpose across the globe.
"We’re proud to continue this tradition again for 2026, raising funds that will help create learning and employment opportunities for young women and girls facing barriers to education through this year’s charity, Education Above All Foundation.”
Also on board with the race are the Qatari sponsors of the whole week.
The Chairman of Qatar Tourism and the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, HE. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, said: “The Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar brings together world class partnerships with a meaningful purpose and we are proud to support Qatar’s Education Above All Foundation as the chosen charity of the Markel Magnolia Cup.
"This partnership demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to hosting and supporting events that extend far beyond sport, creating real social impact on a global scale.”
Goodwood has collaborated with Gabriela Hearst on a collection of jockey silks designs for the 2026 race. Following in the footsteps of Vivienne Westwood, Sarah Burton, Roksanda Ilincic and Mary Katrantzou, Gabriela has designed 12 individual prints for the incredible riders.
Gabriela is a seventh-generation rancher, born and raised on her family’s 17,000-acre Uruguayan ranch surrounded by horses.
She launched her eponymous label in 2015, and from 2020 to 2023, was the first Latin American designer to helm a major Paris fashion House with her appointment at Chloé. Gabriela’s industry-leading work in sustainable fashion has been recognised with several awards from the CFDA or the British Fashion Council, and most recently, in 2024, she was honoured with the TIME Earth Award for her leadership in climate justice and for pioneering sustainable practices.
In March 2025, she was named to the inaugural National Geographic 33 list, recognizing her as a global changemaker whose work is actively shaping a more sustainable future for the planet.
Her designs have been worn by many personalities, including the likes of Dr. Jill Biden (at the 2021 presidential inauguration), Kamala Harris, during her presidential campaign, Oscar nominee Chloé Zhao, Angelina Jolie, Laura Dern and Gillian Anderson.
For the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup, Gabriela has selected and reissued a series of her most evocative prints from the House’s archive, in the new context of the jockey silk.
Each of the 13 individual silks represents a different period from the past decade of the label’s history, showcasing a consistent vision and approach to colour and print. This collection bridges Gabriela’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage with the spirit of this special race at Goodwood and the extraordinary women competing on the track.
The Duke of Richmond said: “We are delighted to be working with Gabriela Hearst, whose deep connection to the equestrian world brings unique authenticity to this collection.
"The women taking part have committed themselves wholeheartedly to their training in aid of Education Above All, and these special silks are a tribute to their dedication. A pioneer of sustainable luxury, Gabriela is uniquely positioned to create these silks with unmatched vision and integrity.”
Gabriela said: "When The Duke of Richmond and Gordon invited us to participate in the design of the silks for the Markel Magnolia Cup, it was an instant yes. First, because any endeavour supporting women is a duty, second, because given The Duke’s creative direction at Goodwood, it would certainly be beautiful, and lastly, because it involves horses, which are such a deep part of who I am."
See coverage of this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup on this website, the Observer app and in the Chichester Observer