Love Island personality Gemma Owen finished fourth in her debut horse race at the Goodwood Festival on Thursday. Owen competed in the Markel Magnolia Cup, a ladies-only charity race held during the festival's Ladies' Day.
Although Owen is a passionate equestrian with a significant social media following, her prior experience was in dressage, not flat racing. She acknowledged having never ridden a racehorse until a few months prior to the event, describing the training as humbling. Owen stated that gaining experience at Manor House Stables, which is owned by her father, former footballer Michael Owen, provided her with insight into the operations of a racing yard.
Michael Owen and his wife Louise Bonsall were present to support their daughter and observe other races during the festival. Manor House Stables had several other horses running throughout the event.
The Markel Magnolia Cup aims to raise funds for charities supporting women and children, specifically the Education Above All Foundation and Educate A Child International for this year's event. Owen expressed her excitement about participating in the prestigious fundraising occasion.
Among Owen's fellow competitors were women from various backgrounds, including racing professionals like Australian racehorse trainer Charlotte Littlefield and bloodstock agent Victoria Wang. The event also featured participants from the medical field, such as microsurgeon Joanna Bovis, and reality television personality Nermina Pieters-Mekic. Young jockey Ruth Inman, supported by the Riding A Dream Academy, also took part.
During the race, Owen initially started on the wider side of the track and lost ground in the early stages. However, she made significant gains as the field approached the finish line. The victory went to Imaan Rasul-Healer, who rode Khor Al Adaid.
