Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan had a reason to smile on Thursday, July 31, as her daughter, Lois, made her racing debut at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in Chichester.
She stood proudly alongside her husband, former rugby star Kenny Logan, and other family members.
Lois, 20, is usually seen showjumping. But this time, she swapped disciplines to take part in the Markel Magnolia Cup. She rode a horse named Spirit of Ecstasy.
Though she didn’t place, her spirit was high. The race was won by Sophie Forsyth on Woodcote Girl. Still, Lois cherished the experience.
“It was over so quickly and such a thrill,” she said after the race, as quoted by The Sun. The horse was incredible and put up such a fight against strong opposition. We finished in midfield, which wasn’t bad. I had to push from the third furlong because they set off so quickly.
“I’ve now got more of an edge for winning. I’m not so scared of speed anymore. It was really good fun.”
Her mum couldn’t hide her emotions either.
“It’s harder to watch than rugby,” Gabby admitted. “It’s so quick—like being a sprinter. You barely have time to breathe. All those 4:40am starts and months of training have paid off,” she added with pride.”
Is Lois the only sporty person in the Logan family?
Lois’ love for sport isn’t surprising. It runs deep in the Logan family.
Gabby herself was a top rhythmic gymnast. She represented Wales at the 1990 Commonwealth Games when she was just 17. Her husband, Kenny Logan, is a rugby legend. He earned 70 caps for Scotland and played at the World Cup.
He also starred for London Wasps during his professional career. Even their son, Reuben, is making waves in rugby. At 20, he’s signed a professional contract with Northampton Saints.
Reuben has represented both England and Scotland at youth level. With a pedigree like that, Lois is simply carrying on the family legacy, now with a racing saddle and a fearless heart.