Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is preparing to return to the UK in just over a week to compete in a charity race at the prestigious Glorious Goodwood Festival.
The Magnolia Cup is a well-known charity event, and this year it is championing Education Above All, aiming to raise vital funds for children and young women facing adversity globally by providing access to education, skills, and opportunities.
Littlefield is aiming to replicate the success of Lizzie Jelfs, who triumphed in the Magnolia Cup, the opening event on Ladies Day at Goodwood back in 2024.
This year’s race is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 30.
Having grown up in close proximity to Goodwood, Littlefield has increased her trackwork riding and gym visits as part of her preparation for the Magnolia Cup.
“I started taking it a little easier on trackwork over the last six to 12 months because of the good riders available and I like to watch trackwork, but it’s been good for me as I’ve got back into it and I’ve really focussed on the riding,” Littlefield shared.
“I love it and I think that’s one of my strengths as a trainer being able to ride my own horses and I’ve ridden more each morning, ridden a few more gallops, and really enjoying it.”
Littlefield emphasised the seriousness with which she is approaching the challenge, given the race’s support for a commendable cause.
She noted that the rigorous training has helped her shed a few kilograms and significantly improved her overall fitness, as she wishes to avoid any last-minute struggles.
“I’ve been at the gym twice a week,” Littlefield stated.
“I’m not very good at the gym, so I’ve had to have some personal training with Maddison Morris who had to drive me quite hard at the start and keep me focussed.
“I wanted to lose a few kilos while also being nice and strong and fit and not too heavy.”
Littlefield anticipates a substantial contingent of supporters will travel to Goodwood, including her father, who is making the journey from the south of France.
“I used to live down the road (from Goodwood), so it’s come full circle,” Littlefield remarked.
“My Dad, who has never really got to see me in action ever, he’s only been out here once, for him to come over and be a part of it, is great.
“I’ll have other friends and family members, it’s going to be very special.”
Littlefield is set to present three horses at Flemington on Saturday: Angel In Black in the ATA Trainers’ Trust Handicap (1400m), Chowdown in the VRC Member Erica McKissack Trophy (1700m), and Tajanis in the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m).
A victory from any of her runners would ideally provide a boost to her charity fundraising efforts, and Littlefield is particularly keen to see Tajanis compete over the longer distance.
“Tajanis would rather it a little bit heavier as I think it’s going to dry out a bit, but he’s a proper two-mile horse, and to get back up to the 2800 metres after running over 2500 metres will really suit,” Littlefield explained.
“He needs every inch of that, and I’ve done a lot of different work with him to keep that interest.
“Eventually he’ll go jumping and we’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes educating him and for me, it takes a year, at least, to educate one, and next year he will be competitive.
“He’s a tough horse, a nice horse to deal with, and I hope he can find that form when he was third in the Sandown Cup.”
The Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 is shaping up to be a competitive affair, with punters keen to find the winner at the top Australian betting sites.