Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is set to return to the UK in just over a week to compete in a charity race at the esteemed Glorious Goodwood Festival.
The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All, with the aim of raising funds to provide educational access, skills, and opportunities for children and young women globally who are impacted by poverty, conflict, and disadvantage.
Littlefield is aiming to replicate the success of Lizzie Jelfs, who won the Magnolia Cup, the opening race on Ladies Day at Goodwood in 2024.
This year’s race is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 30.
Having grown up not far from Goodwood, Littlefield has been increasing 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 said.
“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 has been taking the training seriously due to the race supporting a worthy cause.
She mentioned that the physical training has helped her lose a few kilograms and improved her overall fitness, as she doesn’t want to be struggling at the finish.
“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 strong support base heading to Goodwood, including her father, who is travelling from the south of France.
“I used to live down the road (from Goodwood), so it’s come full circle,” Littlefield commented.
“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 will have three runners 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 win from any of the trio would hopefully boost her charity fundraising efforts, and Littlefield is keen to see Tajanis stepping back out in trip.
“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 a key race on the card, and punters will be looking at the available racing betting markets to find a winner.
