Interview with Lyn Comerford, Markel Magnolia Cup 2023 jockey

This year, our director of strategic projects Lyn Comerford participated in the Markel Magnolia Cup – and came an impressive 4th out of the 12-strong all-female jockey cohort. Racing to raise money for charity Education for All, Lyn Comerford opens up about how she overcame self-doubt to play her part in something special.

When did you first hear about the Markel Magnolia Cup – and what inspired you to throw your hat in the ring?

I discovered the Magnolia Cup through my company, Markel, who sponsor the event because it aligns well with our culture of giving back to communities and supporting diversity.

“When I read more about the Cup’s mission to uplift women and support a worthy cause, I was inspired to volunteer… even though I couldn’t ride a horse!”

Can you tell us a bit about what the first few weeks of training were like?

After finding out that I had a place in the race, I spent February to June learning to ride at The Talland School of Equitation in Cirencester.

The real challenge for me came when I moved to Woodland Stables racing yard in Malton in June to learn to ride a thoroughbred. This was 8 weeks before the race.

The first week at the stables was tough – the thoroughbred horses were very different from the ponies I had been riding. I fell off so many times that first week and was close to giving up as I was overcome with self-doubt.

You’ve mentioned before the literal ‘ups and downs’ you experienced training for the race. What’s one highlight that comes to mind when you think about that period of preparation for the Markel Magnolia Cup?

The highlight for me was having the privilege to experience a totally different industry and meet an amazing group of people. I really enjoyed mucking out my horse, Muker, every morning and then going for a ride. It was so different from my normal routine in London!

On the day of the race, how did it feel to walk out into the parade ring at Goodwood?

I felt so happy to walk out into the parade ring knowing that I had made it to race day in one piece! It was exciting to see my horse, Muker, and to see all the support for everyone in the race.?I don’t think I stopped smiling.

What was going through your mind when the race began and you set off on your horse?

I was thinking “wow this is the race…I can’t believe it!”. I was also thinking about Muker because I could tell he wasn’t as balanced on the soft ground.?However, when I saw a gap in the group, I immediately thought “let’s go for it Muker”!

Do you have any tips, habits or routines which you use to cope with high pressure situations like the Magnolia Cup race?

If you are tense, you will likely make others tense too….so breathe, stay present and smile.

What was the response like from friends, family and colleagues after you completed the race?

There has been an amazing stream of congratulations. It has been a real highlight to have experienced the support from so many people during the preparation and after the race.

Are there any learnings you took from the Magnolia Cup which will transfer across to your personal and professional life?

The best laid plans don’t always work out but make sure to have a plan and get the support and advice you need…

“To do something amazing, you can’t do it alone.”

…but ultimately you need to take ownership of your actions to achieve a goal.

Also, I learnt that I need to be around horses more!

Lyn Comerford is director of strategic projects at Markel International.

Markel has been a partner of the Qatar Goodwood Festival since 2009. Our partnership has grown significantly since then, we host over 300 clients and Markel employees across two days.

The Magnolia Cup is a charity race focussed on gender diversity and female empowerment. Each year the Magnolia Cup riders are selected to take part from all walks of life, none are professional jockeys – but their resilience and determination has helped change the perceptions of women in sport.