SARAH UP FOR THE CUP
MOVE OVER, Frankie Dettori — Daily Mirror secretary Sarah Cook is counting down the days until she takes to the saddle at the Qatar Glorious Goodwood Festival.
Sarah is one of 12 female riders doing battle in aid of Cancer Research UK for the Magnolia Cup on Ladies’ Day on Thursday August 2.
The five-and-a-half-furlong race, supported by Swarowski, has raised more than £1.2million since it was first run in 2011.
“I went to watch the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood last year and from that point my heart was set on making the line-up,” explains Sarah, who ensures the smooth running of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror sports desks.
“I’d ridden showjumpers before but I had never ridden a thoroughbred, and it has been an amazing journey so far.
“I’m very grateful to trainers John Best, Pat Phelan and Ian Williams for giving me the chance to ride out at their stables and I’m hopeful Ian will find me a mount for the Magnolia Cup, which he has already won twice.”
The jockeys have formed a close bond through their training — including rigorous fitness tests at Newmarket’s British Racing School — for the big day.
“We get on very well — but the friendships will be put to one side in the race itself!” adds Sarah.
Follow Sarah’s adventures on Twitter @TheMirrorMare.
Donations for Cancer Research UK can be made at fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/page/ the-mirror-mare.