Girl power — famous ladies take to the track at Goodwood

Move over Mr Dettori, the girls are taking over at Glorious Goodwood later this month.

The West Sussex venue is staging a six-furlong charity race with a difference on Ladies’ Day (28 July) — all the participants, including horses, silk designers and trainers will be female.

And the fund-raiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital has attracted high-profile names.

Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox is taking part alongside Tatler editor Kate Reardon, model Edie Campbell, Channel 4 presenter Emma Spencer, Francesca Cumani — daughter of trainer Luca — and world number two dressage rider Laura Bechtolsheimer.

“I know absolutely nothing about racing, so I’m going to have to do a lot of homework,” laughed Laura. “When I told my dad, he said to make sure that I had the fastest horse!”

Kate — a regular follower of the Portman, and ardent H&H reader — has been riding out for Ralph Beckett. But certain aspects of her preparation are distinctly Tatler-ish.

“I’ve been working with a personal trainer and went to a Spanish fat farm to try to make the weight,” explained Kate, who is a svelte but towering 5ft 8in. “The horses’ eyes widen in horror as I lumber over.”

Meanwhile Sara Cox, who starred in TV’s Only Fools On Horses in 2006, is riding out at Walter Swinburn’s.

After her first spin on the gallops she tweeted: “Can’t stop smiling, best morning ever. I’m well chuffed!”

Liz Hurley will be part of the behind-the-scenes team and the silks will be designed by one of the Duchess Cambridge’s favourite labels, Issa.

Glorious Goodwood runs from 26-30 July.

Visit www.goodwood.co.uk/horse-racing or tel: 01243 755055.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (14 July, 2011)

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