‘The Magnolia Cup isn’t just a race; it’s a platform for change.’ Sophie Forsyth, a Financial Institutions underwriter at Markel reflects on her surreal experience of winning the Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood, which raised £741,000 for charity.

I’m Sophie Forsyth, and this summer I had the absolute honour of winning the Markel Magnolia Cup – the ladies-only charity race staged at Goodwood. It’s hard to put into words what it meant to represent Markel in such a unique way, stepping far outside my usual role, which typically involves assessing risk and helping clients find tailored insurance solutions, and taking on learning to ride a racehorse. I switched Fenchurch Street in the City of London for furlongs, and hence my Instagram tag of fenchurch.to.furlongs.

A longstanding connection with Goodwood

My connection to Goodwood goes back a long way. I was eight when I first visited, fresh off a school sports day win, and was handed £10 by my Dad to bet on the races. My cousin only bet on jockeys wearing pink and somehow had the most success! That day sparked a love for the sport and the place. Over the years, I worked at Goodwood House, catering weddings, Revivals, and Festivals of Speed, so when the opportunity came up to ride in the Magnolia Cup, it felt like everything had come full circle.

The Magnolia Cup isn’t just a race, it’s a platform for change. This year, we raised funds for The King’s Trust International’s Project Lehar, which supports girls in rural India to access education and build brighter futures. That mission really resonated with me, especially as someone working in insurance, a field that’s still very male-dominated.

Empowering young women through education

Markel has long championed initiatives that support women in the industry, including internal mentoring, networking events, and sponsorship of women-led programmes. Supporting a charity that empowers young women through education felt like a natural extension of those values. It was a privilege to be part of something that so closely aligns with both my personal goals and Markel’s broader commitment to developing women in all walks of life.

The road to the Magnolia Cup

Training for the race was intense. I hadn’t ridden competitively since my teens, when I competed nationally in show jumping and eventing. Getting back in the saddle meant early mornings, sore muscles, and a steep learning curve, alongside a huge amount of fitness training out of the saddle.

A highlight for me was when I reached the four-minute plank goal for the first time and finally believed I would smash the fitness test. I was lucky to be paired with Treacherous, racing as Woodcote Girl, a true superstar of a horse who loves his job and who taught me so much in training. I’m so grateful to Simon and Charlie Treacher for trusting me with him.

One of the most inspiring parts of the journey was the group of women I trained and raced alongside. We came from all walks of life: entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals, and shared a commitment to pushing ourselves for a greater good. The camaraderie was incredible. We supported each other through the nerves, the setbacks, and the triumphs. I didn’t expect to win, but I did hope to ride well and make my team proud. Crossing the finish line first was a moment I’ll never forget.

An unforgettable experience

Race day was electric. The energy at Goodwood, the cheers from the crowd, and the sheer adrenaline of the race; it was all overwhelming in the best way. But what stood out most was seeing the impact of our efforts. My fundraising partner Philippa Hartrick-Morris and I hit our donation target on the morning of the race, which made the day even more special. Knowing that our ride was helping girls access education gave the whole day an amazing sense of purpose.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud, not just of the win, but of the journey. It reminded me of the power of resilience, community, and stepping outside your comfort zone. I’m so grateful to Markel for supporting me every step of the way, and to my trainers Ed de Giles and Pat Phelan, and to everyone who donated or sent kind messages. The Magnolia Cup was more than a race, it was a celebration of purpose, passion, and possibility.

Images courtesy of Sam Stephenson, Goodwood Racecourse.