Doha, Qatar: An exceptional group of women from across the globe has been announced for the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup, one of the most anticipated highlights of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, presented by Visit Qatar at Goodwood Racecourse in West Sussex, United Kingdom.
This year’s charity race will raise funds for the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education foundation dedicated to expanding access to quality education and opportunities for vulnerable children and youth.
Taking place on Ladies’ Day, Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Markel Magnolia Cup will see 12 amateur riders charge down Goodwood’s iconic home straight, marking the culmination of months of rigorous preparation. Representing a diverse range of backgrounds, the riders have undergone intensive training, including early morning riding sessions, jockey fitness assessments, and professional evaluations at the British Racing School.
This year’s line-up reflects resilience, determination, and purpose beyond the racetrack. Among the riders are a breast cancer survivor, a reconstructive microsurgeon supporting women post-cancer treatment, accomplished business leaders, a Riding A Dream Academy graduate, media personalities, and international participants, each bringing a unique and powerful story to the race.
Since its launch in 2011, the Markel Magnolia Cup has raised over £3.5 million for children’s and women-focused charities, while championing greater inclusion and representation in horse racing.
This year, proceeds will support the work of the Education Above All Foundation, which has helped provide access to quality education and employment opportunities for more than 18 million children and young people across 77 countries since its establishment in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
The Duke of Richmond 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 £3.5 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.”
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 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 affected by poverty, conflict, and crisis, ensuring they have the opportunity to learn, thrive, and shape their own futures.”
The jockeys in training for the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup:
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 in US
Bryony Harris (reserve) - Partnerships manager at Worcester Cricket Club and part-time rider for Dan Skelton
