Ever wondered what it would be like to be a jockey? Think it's waaaaay too late to even start – because you didn't grow up near a stable, and your last experience with horses involved a farmyard and a school outing when you were eight?
Think again!
Until 2011, journalist Georgie Lane-Godfrey hadn't sat on a horse for about 10 years. And yet, this week she finds herself embarking on the Magnolia Cup – a charity horse race forming part of Ladies Day at the world-renowned Glorious Goodwood.
Former racers include model Edie Campbell (who won back in 2014) and Radio DJ Sarah Cox, and as a high profile event it's the first race of the day, meaning all eyes will be on Georgie and her fellow lady racers.
Here, she tells us about her training, expectations, nerves and 'thighs of steel', and reveals her top tip to those wanting to get back in the saddle again...
What is the Magnolia Cup?
Quite simply, the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever agreed to do...
The Magnolia Cup is a charity race for female riders which takes part on Ladies Day at Glorious Goodwood – one of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar. This year that falls on 28th July.
It pits 12 women with little or no racing experience against each other in a 5.5 furlong sprint that can reach up to 45mph. Many of the women are high-powered professionals, others are socialites and models, but each one is riding to raise money for two fantastic children’s charities: Best Beginnings and World Vision. We also get to wear designer silks from brands such as Liberty London and Vivienne Westwood, which adds an extra touch of glamour.
Why did you sign up to it?
It all happened by chance. I met Radio DJ Sara Cox on the Dartmoor Derby, an endurance ride across Devon. Sara had competed in the Magnolia Cup a few times and was telling me about it over dinner. Admittedly I was a few glasses of wine down, but it sounded like the best idea ever so when Goodwood got in touch I immediately signed up. Looking back, I had no idea what I’d let myself in for.
What are you most nervous about?
Probably the start of the race. My horse, Industrial Ability, has never done a flag start before so hopefully he’ll understand what’s going on!
Whose silks are you wearing?
Liberty London. I was so happy when I found out. A lot of the other riders have lovely silks too, but I think my Liberty ones are pretty special. The main body uses a print from the archives which were originally a 1960s menswear paisley called Indiana. The sleeves feature a small, yet-to-be-released floral print that was designed by Liberty’s in-house team.
What sort of training have you had to do for it?
Since being matched with a yard (Dean Ivory’s in Radlett, Hertfordshire) I’ve been riding out at least twice a week, building up to every day in the run up to the race. The riding is great, but the early starts (5.45am) are a real killer.
Then, of course, we had to get ourselves into shape for it. Racing requires a strong core, thighs of steel and upper body strength akin to Mr. T, as well as insane levels of cardiovascular fitness.
We had to take a fitness test run by the British Racing School in Newmarket that all jockeys looking to get their license need to pass. This involved a bleep test (like the ones at school where you have to run between two cones before the bleep), a series of strength tests like squats and push up holds and then a riding assessment.
Not all of the Magnolia Cup riders passed, so I was pretty relieved to get through it, especially when my horse started getting a bit keen and starting to run away with me.
Would you say riding is a good alternative to the gym?
Yes, if you’re riding at a certain level. Of course, if you’re just hacking out at a lazy walk on a fat riding school pony, you aren’t going to burn many calories. But the more high-octane your riding gets, the more of a work out it becomes.
How long have you been riding for?
Since I was a child, although I had a long break of about 10 years before I got back into it in 2011. Until February this year though, I’d never actually sat on a racehorse before. Riding thoroughbred racehorses requires quite a different technique to normal, riding school horses, so it was a steep learning curve.
If you live in a city, is it easy to learn how to ride – and how expensive is it?
Well, it’s obviously not as easy as it would be if you lived somewhere rural, but it’s definitely possible. In London there are actually loads of yards where you’d least expect them, such as Wimbledon Village Stables, which are hidden away just off the High Street.
It is expensive though. As in, sell-all-your-worldly-possessions-and-eat-only-baked-beans expensive. And the worst thing is that it’s ridiculously addictive, so once you get bitten by the bug you won’t be able to stop. Spending £190, for example, on a pair of super slick jodhpurs when you’ve already got ten? Don’t mind if I do….
What do you wear to ride?
Kroops goggles, Tuffa racing boots, Cavallino Marino jodhpurs and an old cotton t-shirt which is old, comfortable and can get covered in dust and hair without worrying about it. And, of course, a helmet and body protector to stay safe.
Tips for first-time riders...
Relax. Horses are can pretty much smell feel and if you tense up it will only make them panic. Staying calm will help reassure them you’re in control (even if you’re not).
Watch how Georgie trained in the video below...
READ MORE: Burberry's new ad campaign has landed – featuring Edie Campbell
READ MORE: Hayfever: The facts and rememdies that actually work