Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is on the verge of heading back to the UK in just over a week to participate in a charity race at the prestigious Glorious Goodwood Festival.

The Magnolia Cup is a celebrated charity event this year lending its support to Education Above All. The initiative aims to raise crucial funds to provide educational access, skills, and opportunities for children and young women globally who face challenges such as poverty, conflict, and disadvantage.

Littlefield’s ambition is to follow in the footsteps of Lizzie Jelfs, who achieved victory in the Magnolia Cup, the opening race on Ladies Day at Goodwood in 2024.

This year’s edition of the race is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 30.

Having grown up in close proximity to Goodwood, Littlefield has been intensifying her trackwork riding and gym commitments in her bid to win 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 commented.

“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 indicated that she has been treating the training process with considerable seriousness, acknowledging the race’s support for a significant cause.

She mentioned that this dedicated work has helped her shed a few kilos and considerably boosted her overall fitness, as she aims to avoid any feelings of inadequacy during the event.

“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 revealed that a strong contingent of supporters will be travelling to Goodwood, including her father, who is making the trip 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 preparing to field 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 her three horses would ideally contribute to her charity fundraising endeavours, and Littlefield is anticipating Tajanis performing well over the extended 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 a feature race that will attract significant attention from those looking for the best racing odds.