International dressage rider and businesswoman Gemma Owen, equestrian and singer Nermina Pieters-Mekic and American automotive executive Zoey Schorsch are among 12 amateur jockeys preparing to compete in the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood Racecourse.

The prestigious charity race takes place on Thursday 30 July, opening the action on Ladies’ Day at the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar.

Bringing together women from sport, business, racing and the media, the annual race has raised more than £3.5 million for charitable causes since its launch in 2011. This year’s line-up includes experienced equestrians, international competitors and women whose resilience extends far beyond the saddle.

Before racing down Goodwood’s famous home straight, every participant must complete months of intensive preparation. Early mornings riding out, demanding fitness tests and riding assessments at the British Racing School all form part of the journey towards race day.

Gemma Owen takes on a new equestrian challenge

For international dressage rider Gemma Owen, the Magnolia Cup represents a significant change of discipline.

Gemma has been training at Manor House Stables in Cheshire with racehorse trainer Hugo Palmer and former jockey Franny Norton. Despite growing up around horses and horseracing, she had never ridden a racehorse before beginning her preparations for the event.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Markel Magnolia Cup this year,” said Gemma.

“Believe it or not, I had never sat on a racehorse until a couple of months ago and the training so far has been humbling to say the least. Spending more time at Manor House Stables, seeing how a racing yard runs like clockwork and getting out onto the gallops, has been an incredible experience.

“It is an even bigger challenge than I initially expected, but I’m excited to take part in such a prestigious fundraising event which raises so much money for charities supporting women and children.”

Alongside her Magnolia Cup training, Gemma continues her work as an international dressage rider and runs her swimwear brand, OG Beachwear.

Nermina Pieters-Mekic joins the Goodwood line-up

Nermina Pieters-Mekic will also exchange her usual equestrian pursuits for the speed and intensity of the racecourse.

Known for appearing in The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Nermina is a singer, businesswoman and experienced equestrian. She joins the Magnolia Cup line-up after overcoming breast cancer, bringing a powerful personal story of resilience to this year’s event.

Although already comfortable in the saddle, riding a racehorse at speed presents an entirely different challenge, requiring strength, balance, fitness and considerable courage.

Her participation places another Cheshire-based equestrian in this year’s field, alongside Gemma, as both women prepare to test their riding skills in a discipline far removed from their usual experience.

Zoey Schorsch brings ‘American Muscle’ to Goodwood

Adding an international dimension to the race is Zoey Schorsch, who will make history as the first American woman to compete in the Markel Magnolia Cup.

An executive at Audrain Group and creative director of ZDS Creative, Zoey has built her career around horsepower, initially through the automotive and motorsport industries and now through thoroughbred racing.

She has ridden since childhood on her family’s farms in Pennsylvania and Virginia, but preparing for the Magnolia Cup has introduced her to an entirely new level of speed and intensity. Her training has taken place on both sides of the Atlantic and has included strength work and learning to ride racehorses travelling at speeds of up to 40mph.

That connection between motorsport and racing will follow her onto the racecourse as she prepares to ride Audrain’s American Muscle, a name that provides a fitting nod to her automotive background and the American strength she hopes to bring to British soil.

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to represent the US and my company in the Markel Magnolia Cup,” said Zoey.

“I never expected that I would train as a jockey, but I’m inspired by the race and the past and present women who compete.

“I’m proud to participate and hope that my story encourages others from all backgrounds to step forward with confidence and embrace surprising opportunities that can change our lives for the better.”

As well as working within the automotive industry, Zoey advocates for greater representation and animal welfare within racing and equestrian sport, including the ethical care of horses during and after their competitive careers.

Who is riding in the 2026 Magnolia Cup?

Gemma, Nermina and Zoey represent just three of the varied stories behind this year’s race. Although their backgrounds and levels of racing experience differ, all 12 jockeys have faced the same demanding preparation ahead of taking their places under starter’s orders.

The riders preparing to compete in 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, international dressage rider and businesswoman
• Ilona Wells, who works in veterinary technology and has overcome extensive surgery, including a double mastectomy
• Jasmine Watts, construction loss adjuster
• Joanna Bovis, reconstructive microsurgeon at The Royal Marsden Hospital
• Molly Hunter, sports and horseracing reporter at the Press Association
• Nermina Pieters-Mekic, singer, businesswoman, equestrian and breast cancer survivor
• Ruth Inman, Riding A Dream Academy graduate
• Victoria Wang, bloodstock agent based in Australia and China
• Zoey Schorsch, Audrain Group executive, creative director of ZDS Creative and the first American woman selected to compete in the Magnolia Cup

Imaan Rasul-Healer and Bryony Harris have been named as reserves for the 2026 race.

Racing in support of Education Above All

Money raised through this year’s Magnolia Cup will support Education Above All Foundation, a global non-profit organisation creating education and employment opportunities for children and young people affected by poverty, conflict and disaster.

Established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the foundation has supported more than 18 million children and young people across 77 countries.

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.”

A race with a lasting legacy

The Magnolia Cup has become an established feature of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, raising money for good causes while continuing to challenge perceptions of women within racing and wider sport.

One of its most memorable moments came in 2019, when Khadijah Mellah became the first British Muslim woman to win a competitive horserace in the UK.

Her victory helped inspire the creation of the Riding A Dream Academy, which works to make British racing more accessible to young people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Academy graduate Ruth Inman will continue that legacy as one of this year’s Magnolia Cup jockeys.

Markel International underwriter Sophie Forsyth won the race in 2025.

The 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup takes place on Thursday 30 July at Goodwood Racecourse. The Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar runs from Tuesday 28 July to Saturday 1 August.

Feature image: The official 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup jockey line-up. Image credit Kirsty Jayne Russell