Goodwood to welcome first American rider for 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup

Goodwood Racecourse is delighted to announce that this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup will welcome its first ever American competitor.   

Exchanging the thrills of motorsport for the adrenaline of pure horsepower, Audrain Group Executive Zoey Schorsch will line-up under starters orders and race down Goodwood’s home straight on Thursday 30 July.  

The prestigious charity race is the opening race on Ladies’ Day of Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar. Each year, the Markel Magnolia Cup welcomes leading women from business, sport, fashion and media to compete in the flat race, raising vital funds for charity. While none of the competitors are professional jockeys, each rider must complete months of intensive training and pass rigorous qualification tests. 

An entrepreneur, artist and advocate for greater representation in traditionally exclusive industries, Zoey is using the race as an opportunity to challenge herself and inspire others.  

The 26-year-old works as a business development and sponsorship specialist for Audrain Group, one of America’s leading automotive museums and motorsport organisations, which is the presenting partner of Goodwood’s Members’ Meeting.  

Zoey has ridden since childhood on her family’s farms in Pennsylvania and Virginia but has never competed in a race on the scale of the Markel Magnolia Cup. Over the past months, Zoey has been training to qualify for the Markel Magnolia Cup, including strength training and learning to ride racehorses up to 40mph on both English and American soil. 

Zoey is an LGBTQ activist who is passionate about expanding representation. She also advocates for animal welfare within the racing and equestrian communities, championing ethical care for horses during, and after, their competitive careers. 

Zoey Schorsch said: “I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to represent the US and my company in the Markel Magnolia Cup. I never expected that I would train as a jockey, but I’m inspired by the race and the past and present women who compete. 

“I’m proud to participate and hope that my story encourages others from all backgrounds to step forward with confidence and embrace surprising opportunities that can change our lives for the better.” 

The chosen charity for the 15th running of the all-female race is Education Above All. Since its inception, the Markel Magnolia Cup has raised more than £3.5 million for charities supporting women and children. 

Zoey will be documenting her journey on her social media channels and plans to create a documentary about the experience. 

Tickets and hospitality for the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar are on sale now at goodwood.com.