First reserve and then five days prep: Imaan Rasul-Healer reflects on her magical win the Markel Magnolia Cup

The 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup at Glorious Goodwood is a day I will always cherish, and crossing the finishing line is a moment I will never forget. Looking up and realising I had won brought an overwhelming mix of disbelief, emotion and, ultimately, pure joy. To win such a prestigious race, surrounded by so many incredible women, was very special.

My route into racing

The racing world has been a huge part of my life for the past few years. My background spans both the racing and breeding sides of the Thoroughbred industry, from starting in an office-based role to travelling across the world to gain hands-on experience. I currently ride out at Kevin Philippart de Foy’s yard in Newmarket and also work at bloodstock sales during the sales season.

I have always loved the variety the racing industry provides and the people within it. I wanted to take on the Markel Magnolia Cup because it represented the perfect combination of my passion for racing, my love of horses and a personal challenge that would push me well outside my comfort zone.

The road to the Magnolia Cup

The training was certainly more demanding than I expected. Although I have always been involved in fitness and strength training, riding in a competitive race requires a completely different type of preparation. You need strength, balance and fitness and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to stay calm and focused when everything is happening at speed—literally.

My journey to the starting line was not straightforward. After suffering a concussion, I found myself as first reserve and uncertain whether I would get the opportunity to ride this year at all. When my chance came, I had just five days to prepare. Those five days were intense, but they taught me an enormous amount about resilience and making the most of an opportunity when it arrives.

Markel Magnolia Cup winner Imaan Rasul-Healer celebrates her win
Photograph: Kirsty Kayne-Russell/Goodwood.

Sitting on Grey Horizon, racing on the day under the name Khor Al Adaid, for the first time on the Friday before the race will forever be a standout memory. I had driven three hours up north after riding two horses at home, and all I can remember is how nervous I felt on the journey, worrying about what would happen if I did not get along with him.

The horse is trained by Scott Dixon and by the time I got on him, my nerves had settled, and I got to ride on a racetrack for the first time ever! I remember pulling up with the biggest smile and thinking: ‘Yeah, he’s a dude. I’m 100% riding.’

My nerves spiked in the days leading up to the race, but I arrived at the hotel the night before, had dinner with a few of the girls and enjoyed every moment. The atmosphere at Goodwood, the moments before the race and finally crossing the line are memories that will stay with me forever.

More than just a race

What makes the Markel Magnolia Cup particularly special is that it is about so much more than racing. This year, the race raised funds for the Education Above All Foundation, highlighting the incredible difference racing can make beyond the racecourse. Initiatives like this demonstrate the generosity and community spirit within the sport, while also providing a platform to support causes that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Imaan Rasul-Healer aboard winning mount Khor Al Adaid in the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup
Photograph: Kirsty Kayne-Russell/Goodwood.

For me, the Magnolia Cup has been a reminder of what can happen when you are prepared to take a risk and believe in yourself. It is easy to look at a challenge like this and think you are not experienced enough, fit enough or simply not ready. I certainly had many moments of doubt, but sometimes you just have to say yes, surround yourself with people who believe in you and give it everything you have. And most importantly – smile and have fun.

If my story inspires even one person to take on a challenge they have been putting off, that will mean a great deal to me. You never know where saying yes might take you—for me, it took me to the winner’s enclosure at Goodwood.