The 18-year-old became the first woman to race in a hijab in Britain with her winning ride in Goodwood’s Magnolia
‘An even bigger challenge than I expected’: Gemma Owen in training for prestigious charity Flat race
Gemma Owen said the training has been “humbling, to say the least”, as she prepares to take part in the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup.
The dressage rider, former Love Island contestant and daughter of England footballer Michael Owen has been confirmed in the line-up for the annual charity race on ladies’ day at the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar (30 July).
Gemma is continuing to compete in dressage with 16-year-old King Ron P as she also works with trainer Hugo Palmer and jockey Franny Norton at her father’s Manor House Stables.
Gemma Owen said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Markel Magnolia Cup this year.
“Believe it or not, I had never sat on a racehorse until a couple of months ago and the training so far has been humbling to say the least. Spending more time at Manor House Stables, seeing how a racing yard runs like clockwork and getting out onto the gallops, has been an incredible experience.”
The Markel Magnolia Cup, which first ran in 2011, has raised over £3.5m for charities supporting women and children. This year’s race is in aid of Education Above All Foundation.
All the jockeys who take part have to undergo fitness tests and riding assessments at the British Racing School and complete months of training.
“It is an even bigger challenge than I initially expected but I’m excited to take part in such a prestigious fundraising event, which raises so much money for charities supporting women and children,” Gemma said.
Gemma Owen at the gallops at Manor House Stables
Gemma will be racing against Markel International bloodstock assistant underwriter Alice Hawker, motor sport content creator Araminta Reed, racehorse trainer Charlotte Littlefield, vet tech Ilona Wells, who has had a hip replacement and double mastectomy, Imaan Rasul-Healer who works in racing, loss adjustor Jasmine Watts, Heartificial Intelligence founder Jessica Chapplow, microsurgeon Joanna Bovis, racing reporter Molly Hunter, reality TV star Nermina Pieters-Mekic, Riding a Dream graduate Ruth Inman and bloodstock agent Victoria Wang. The reserve is Dan Skelton’s part-time rider Bryony Harris.
A Goodwood spokesperson said: “Representing a wide range of backgrounds, these women have taken on the immense challenge of preparing for a competitive horse race. Their journey has demanded early mornings riding out, rigorous jockey fitness tests, assessments at the British Racing School and months of dedicated training to ensure they are ready for race day.
“This year’s field includes an exceptional group of riders whose resilience extends well beyond the saddle. Among them are a breast cancer survivor, a microsurgeon specialising in reconstruction for women following cancer treatment, businesswomen, media personalities, a Riding A Dream Academy graduate and several international competitors.
“Ladies’ day on Thursday, 30 July will be the culmination of this remarkable journey.”
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