Australian horseracing presenter Lizzie Jelfs wins 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup
Lizzie Jelfs, an Australia-based TV presenter who specializes in horseracing, was yesterday victorious in the 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup – the prestigious charity race run at the Qatar Goodwood Festival restricted to lady riders from all walks of life.
British-born Jelfs, who has been riding out for Newmarket trainer Harry Eustace in preparation for the five-and-a-half-furlong charity race, successfully partnered her mount, Reins Reigns Rains to victory.
After the race Jelfs, who moved to Australia at 19 to work for top trainer David Hayes, said of her Magnolia Cup journey: “It’s been a great experience, I’m probably the eldest in the field. I’m not from a racing family, and I’ve never ridden in a race but I thought I’d give it a go. I’ve been on a personal growth journey – one of my daughters said six months ago I was too old to ride horses, so Zara, I am not too old to ride horses, I can ride horses!”
An honourable mention should also be given to Riding a Dream Academy graduate Aamilah Aswat who finished a close second in the race on her mount People Powered for trainer Tom Clover. This completed an extraordinary journey for Aamilah from learning to ride at St James City Farm in Gloucester, through pony racing, and the British Racing School to actually ride her dream at Glorious Goodwood.
The Magnolia Cup, now in its 13th year, was conceived to overcome the boundaries within the sport, creating an inclusive community in support of women, their abilities, and well-being.
The race has also been a massive winner for charities, and since its inception has raised a phenomenal £2.4 million for good causes.
Last year, the race raised £324,000 for nominated charity The Brilliant Breakfast and this year’s renewal will hopefully exceed that for beneficiary My Sister’s House.
My Sister’s House is a women’s only well-being centre in West Sussex that this year also celebrates ten years of supporting local woman.
Founded as a Community Interest Company in 2014 by Julie Budge and her sister, and a group of committed volunteers, it has grown from a grassroots initiative to be a cornerstone of local community support. The charity has supported 4,200 individuals since its launch, and now includes counseling, domestic abuse support and employment assistance in its services across two busy hubs, employing over 30 staff and 45 volunteers.
“We started around my kitchen table,” recalls founder Julie Budge. “We saw a need in our community and decided to act.”
The charity has been through some tough times in recent years including an eviction in 2018, and the later challenges of lockdown, but is staying true to its motto of helping woman thrive, not just survive.
News
Blog