A dramatic late call-up, an impressive podium finish for American debutant Zoey Schorsch and a strong performance from Gemma Owen made the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup one of the most memorable editions yet, as the annual charity race once again showcased the courage, commitment and camaraderie behind one of Goodwood’s most inspiring events.
Just a week after learning she would take her place in the line-up, racing industry employee Imaan Rasul-Healer produced the ride of her life to win the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup aboard Khor Al Adaid.
Initially named as first reserve, Rasul-Healer only secured her place in the field after replacing Molly Hunter earlier this week. Seven days later, she was celebrating victory in one of the Qatar Goodwood Festival’s most anticipated races.
While Rasul-Healer’s remarkable success deservedly stole the headlines, the race also delivered standout performances from riders already familiar to Everything Horse readers. Dressage rider and television presenter Gemma Owen recovered from a difficult start to finish fourth, while American executive and creative director Zoey Schorsch claimed an outstanding third-place finish. Fellow dressage rider Nermina Pieters-Mekic also completed the race after months of preparation, joining the all-female field in raising vital funds for charity.
Gemma Owen impresses on racing debut
Having swapped the precision of the dressage arena for the speed of the racecourse, Gemma Owen produced an encouraging performance despite losing valuable ground at the start.
Finding herself boxed in during the opening stages, Owen settled her mount before making progress along the inside rail to finish fourth.
“It was an amazing experience. From start to finish, it was great,” she said.
“The horse was an angel and really looked after me. My start was not great, I got a little bit boxed in, but I went to the inside rail, travelled well, made up some good ground and finished quite strongly. I think if I had had a better start, then it would have been a different result, but I am happy overall with how it went.”
Asked if she would race again, Owen smiled: “I think so. I want to win now!”
Reflecting on the experience, she added: “It has been amazing from start to finish. I have really loved training and riding out, seeing what goes on behind the scenes. It makes you appreciate all the hard work that goes into it, all the riders at home and the horses. I have a newfound respect for jockeys and appreciate the sport a lot more since doing it a bit myself.”
Watching from the sidelines, her father Michael Owen admitted it was a nerve-wracking experience.
“It was quite strange and nerve-wracking to watch for her safety. Going 40 miles per hour on a horse is never the safest thing to do and, when it is your daughter, you are obviously a little bit nervous, but she is obviously a very capable rider.”
He added: “I have a sneaky suspicion this will not be her last one.”
Zoey Schorsch claims impressive podium finish
After making history as the first American woman selected to compete in the Markel Magnolia Cup, Zoey Schorsch rewarded months of dedication with a superb third-place finish.
Representing Audrain Group and ZDS Creative, Schorsch overcame traffic in the early stages before producing a determined late challenge.
“It was absolutely amazing. One of the best things I have ever done,” she said.
“It has been the best day ever. I am having so much fun. I am happy to be placed, I cannot believe I am on the leaderboard. I worked my butt off to be here.”
The journey to Goodwood had required months of commitment on both sides of the Atlantic.
“It has been really hard training in America too, as I have to spend a lot of time travelling to train and coming here to train,” she said.
“But it has been so good. I feel like I have this whole new community of horse-riding friends I did not have before.”
Nermina embraces the Magnolia Cup challenge
International equestrian Nermina Pieters-Mekic also took on the challenge of the Magnolia Cup after months of intensive preparation.
Having stepped away from her usual discipline to experience race riding, Pieters-Mekic joined women from business, media, equestrian sport and industry in supporting the Education Above All Foundation. While she finished outside the placings, completing the race marked the culmination of months of training and fundraising for one of British racing’s most celebrated charity events.
A remarkable week ends in victory
For Rasul-Healer, victory completed an extraordinary journey from reserve rider to Magnolia Cup winner.
“I have got no words. It is some feeling, it is amazing,” she said.
“I did not think I was going to win after not having too much preparation. I got the call last week and, thankfully, I have been back riding.”
Reflecting on the wider significance of the event, she said: “The experience has been amazing. The variety of girls in the race is just amazing, and you meet so many different personalities and people from different backgrounds. You are doing it for the most amazing reason, and I think that is the main focal point – it is a charity race. It is fun, and it does not matter if you win; go out there, raise some money and just have fun.”
She also spoke of what the victory meant personally.
“The charity is everything, and I am the second Muslim to win it. Charity is a huge focal point of our religion, so it is just amazing.”
Riding A Dream Academy graduate Ruth Inman finished second after another accomplished ride.
“The race was incredible, so much fun,” she said. “It is such a great thing to be part of.”
Racing for a greater cause
Since its launch in 2011, the Markel Magnolia Cup has raised more than £3.5 million for charitable causes.
This year’s race supported the Education Above All Foundation, a global non-profit organisation that transforms the lives of those affected by poverty, conflict and disaster through education and employment opportunities. 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.
For the 12 women who lined up at Goodwood, the finishing positions told only part of the story. Months of training, fundraising and stepping outside their comfort zones once again demonstrated why the Markel Magnolia Cup remains one of the most inspiring events of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
