Today, Thursday, August 1, is Ladies’ Day, the third day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, and opens with the Magnolia Cup in support of Wellbeing Of Women.
The Duke of Richmond & Gordon, Chairman of Goodwood Racecourse, commented: “At a time when equality is still being fought for by women, we are extremely proud to once again host the Magnolia Cup, which has raised over £1.5 million for several charities since its inception.
“Now in its ninth year, the Magnolia Cup involves 12 inspirational women from the worlds of business, sport, fashion, music, and media, who have been training relentlessly for months to race over five and a half furlongs down Goodwood’s straight. They will set aside their day jobs to become jockeys for the occasion.
“This year the riders’ charitable efforts will benefit Wellbeing of Women, the UK’s leading women’s reproductive and gynaecological health charity which, for over 55 years, has been dedicated to saving and changing lives through research.
“Riders will all wear silks created by Greek designer, Mary Katrantzou, whose designs feature abstract, flamboyant prints made using cutting-edge digital technology and exquisite craftsmanship.
“We wish them the very best of luck in the culmination of this enormous challenge.”
The 12 riders in the 2019 Magnolia Cup in support of Wellbeing Of Women are:
Victoria Pendleton, Georgia Connolly, Valeria Holinger, Kitty Trice, Rosie Tapner, Vogue Williams, Khadijah Mellah, Luisa Zissman, Alexis Green, Rachael Gowland, Sophie Van Der Merwe and Kate Grover.
Profiles for the riders in today’s Magnolia Cup In Support of Wellbeing of Women
Georgia Connolly is an Ambassador for the Victoria Racing Club, custodian of the world-renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival. She has been riding since she was three years old and worked closely with the Victoria Racing Club during the 2015 Melbourne Cup Carnival as ‘Fashions on the Field’ Ambassador. In 2016 she was appointed the inaugural Victoria Racing Club Ambassador.
Rachael Gowland is a Marketing Communications Manager at British European Breeders’ Fund. She first worked for trainer Mark Johnston after graduating her Masters degree from Edinburgh University. Rachael ran commercial operations at The National Stud in Newmarket and Shadwell Estates for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, running his Arabian race series and managing marketing and PR for the stud. Rachael is now PR and Communication Manager for the British EBF and is a Non-Executive Director of Arabian Racing in Great Britain.
Alexis Green is a BBC Weather Presenter and Journalist. For the last 11 years Alexis has been a Weather Presenter and Senior Broadcast Journalist for BBC South She’s been riding horses since she was five years old and competed in the Prince Phillip Cup games in the pony club and numerous Eventing competitions, as well as competing in the National Triathlon Championships, which involves running, horse riding, swimming and shooting
Kate Grover is an Executive Assistant at MW&L Capital Partners Limited. She enjoyed a childhood competing in cross country, show jumping and dressage events. She rides out at Zoe Davison’s yard near East Grinstead at weekends. Kate said: ‘They are a hugely talented and hard-working team who have renewed my passion in horses and racing, and I am so thankful to the team for mentoring me as well as to my instructor, Michaela Tomlinson.”
Valeria Holinger is a Marketing Assistant. She started riding when she was seven years old and since age 11, has ridden out with Karin Suter – a well-known trainer in Switzerland. One of Valeria’s horses, Usbekia, has won her three Skikjörings, which is a combination of riding and skiing. Valeria said: ‘This year I get a chance to ride in a normal horserace and I’m looking forward to this amazing experience!’
Khadijah Mellah, 18, is from South East London and is currently studying for her A-Levels ahead of hopefully studying mechanical engineering at university later this year. She learnt to ride at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton where she has been a member for about five years and has represented the club at various events and competitions.
Victoria Pendleton is Britain’s greatest ever female track cyclist, and one of the most decorated of all time with two Olympic titles to her name and nine world titles.
Rosie Tapner is a British Fashion Model, presenter and future graduate of Oxford Brookes university She has modelled for Topshop, Selfridges, Chloé and Burberry and has been featured in Numéro, Pop, British Vogue, W, and LOVE. On this challenge, she said; “I am so excited to be taking part in the Magnolia Cup this year again! I have ridden all my life and this whole experience is so amazing – I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Bring on the race!”
Kitty Trice is a journalist at the Racing Post. She’s ridden since a young age and has competed at the Royal International and Horse of the Year Show in showing classes. Kitty said: “Racing is my passion. I thoroughly enjoy it and try to go as much as I can!”
Sophie Van Der Merwe is a professional event rider and lives just a few miles from Goodwood Racecourse. Sophie comes from a non-horsey background but started riding at Arundel stables when she was eight. She competes in a small team of event horses at international level in Britain, Ireland and Europe. On the Magnolia Cup, Sophie said: “My family and friends are very supportive but are keen for me to win and I will certainly be giving it my all on the day.”
Vogue Williams is an Irish TV & radio presenter, DJ, model and fitness fanatic. Following her successful documentaries with the W channel and RTE, Vogue went on to win the 2015 series of Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. A keen equestrian, Vogue spent her childhood and teenage years horse-riding and is excited to get back in the saddle for the Magnolia Cup.
Luisa Zissman is an English retail entrepreneur and reality television personality. She rose to fame in 2013 after reaching the final of The Apprentice and went on to win best female personality at the 2013 NRTA’s. Luisa has had columns with both the Daily Star and The Sun and now has launched her own blog tackling a broad range of topics. Luisa is a keen horserider and charity campaigner and always welcomes new, exciting challenges.
