A prestigious charity race has raised an impressive and record-breaking £317,351 for The Prince’s Trust.
The annual Markel Magnolia Cup takes place on Ladies’ Day at the Qatar Goodwood Festival and this year was raising funds for The Prince’s Trust through The Brilliant Breakfast.
Each year, riders are selected to take part from all walks of life, none of whom are professional jockeys, but their resilience and determination has helped change the perceptions of women in sport.
This year’s fundraising total means the race has generated more than £ 2.1million for charitable causes since its inception more than 10 years ago.
“Goodwood is indebted to the title sponsor Markel, the horse sponsors’ generosity, the brave, courageous women riding and the racehorse trainers and owners who have supported the race, as well as fashion designer Roksanda Ilinčić, who designed the jockey silks,” said a spokesman for Goodwood.
The Brilliant Breakfast is a nationwide fundraising event that brings together friends, family and colleagues over breakfast to raise money for young women on The Prince’s Trust programmes across the UK. The money raised will help women aged 11-30 who face adversity build their futures through employment, education, and training.
“It was an honour to partner with Goodwood Racecourse for their renowned charity event, the Markel Magnolia Cup,” said Annoushka Ducas, MBE, The Brilliant Breakfast Founder. “We’re thrilled that this partnership has raised a record-breaking £317,351 to support young women at a time when this could not be more needed or relevant – a fantastic kick-start to this year’s fundraising, which officially takes place in October.
“We are truly grateful to Goodwood, The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and the sponsors, trainers and owners who made this possible. Not to mention the jockeys whose dedication, resilience and determination were inspirational to all of us.”
The winner of the race hoped her victory would inspire other black women to take part in the sport.
Thirty six-year-old Ashleigh Wicheard took the top spot riding Dark Shot. She took part in the race alongside Annabel Neasham, Fiona Litchfield, Hayley Edgar, Janie Dear, Kate French, Kim Parker, Lucy Robinson, Olivia Kimber, O’Meara Rusike Rosie Brandreth-Poynter, and Sally Goldsmith.
It has been confirmed that the Markel Magnolia Cup will once again take place on Ladies’ Day at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in 2023, which falls on Thursday, 3 August.
Riders wishing to participate in the 2023 race can apply online here. All applications must be received by 1 October.
