How an Emerson Class Led Schorsch ’22 From the Arts to an International Horse Race

When Zoey Schorsch ’22 arrives at Goodwood Racecourse in England on July 30, she’ll be making history. 

Schorsch is the first American woman to compete in the Markel Magnolia Cup, one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent all-female amateur charity horse races. The annual event brings together women from diverse industries and backgrounds to raise money for charitable causes while training to compete in a professional-caliber horse race.

The racetrack attracts upwards of 30,000 spectators and is broadcast internationally.

“It’s an incredible honor,” Schorsch said. “But what I’m most excited about is the charity and the opportunity to make a difference.”

This year’s Magnolia Cup supports Education Above All (EAA), a global foundation dedicated to expanding access to education for children and young people facing barriers caused by poverty, conflict, displacement, and crisis. Schorsch has already raised more money than any Magnolia Cup rider has before—$23,000 and counting.

“The accomplishment isn’t winning the race. The accomplishment is helping provide educational opportunities to people who don’t have the same access that I’ve had,” Schorsch said.

That commitment to creating opportunities for others has become a defining theme throughout Schorsch’s life since graduating from Emerson.

After earning a degree in Musical Theatre and a Dance minor, Schorsch founded ZDS Creative and opened an emerging artist gallery and studio space in Brooklyn. During the next three years, she organized more than 40 exhibitions, classes, and workshops, helping early-career artists gain visibility and build sustainable creative practices.

The gallery spotlighted artists and forms of expression often overlooked by traditional art spaces, from immersive installations and performance art to drag performers and other emerging creatives.

Schorsch traces the inspiration for ZDS Creative back to an Emerson course: Art in the Living Space, which exposed her to performance art, immersive experiences, and nontraditional artistic practices.

“The class changed the direction of my career,” she said. “I realized I loved creating opportunities for artists as much as I loved performing.”

She also credits Emerson with helping her develop the communication skills and confidence that continue to shape her professional life.

Today, she serves as a Business Development and Sponsorship Specialist for Audrain Group, an automotive museum and motorsport organization. In her role, she works on brand partnerships, marketing initiatives, and sponsorship relationships.

“Emerson taught me how to communicate with people, tell stories, and represent a brand,” she said. “Whether it’s working with sponsors, developing partnerships, working with influencers, managing social media, or fundraising for the Magnolia Cup, so much of it comes back to storytelling.”

Schorsch points to two professors who continue to influence her long after graduation: Performing Arts Associate Professor Scott LaFeber and Professor Emeritus Scott Wheeler.

LaFeber remains an important mentor and introduced a philosophy she still carries with her today.

“One thing he always said was, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know, so go know everything,’” Schorsch said. “Whenever I encounter something unfamiliar, I think about that.”

Wheeler inspired her to embrace new opportunities and remain creatively curious.

“He’s accomplished so much, but he never stops creating,” she said. “He’s always saying yes to new projects and new experiences. That mindset has stayed with me.”

That willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities became especially important earlier this year when the building housing Schorsch’s gallery was sold, forcing the storefront to close.

Rather than viewing the closure as a setback, she embraced it as an opportunity to evolve. ZDS Creative continues today through a new studio space and pop-up programming.

“The timing actually worked out perfectly,” she said. “As one chapter was ending, this opportunity with the Magnolia Cup was beginning.”

Schorsch’s connection to Goodwood dates back more than a decade through her family’s involvement in the automotive world. Her father founded the Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport, Rhode Island, and through that work developed a relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Richmond, whose family oversees the historic Goodwood Estate.

The Duke of Richmond knew of her riding experience and approached her about representing the United States in the Magnolia Cup.

But an invitation didn’t guarantee a spot in the starting gate. Even with years of equestrian experience, Schorsch still had to complete a rigorous qualification process before she could race thoroughbreds capable of reaching speeds of more than 40 mph.

Participants must complete demanding fitness tests and pass the same standards used by the British Racing School. Since attending last year’s Magnolia Cup as a spectator, Schorsch has traveled to England multiple times for training, fitness assessments, riding evaluations, and work with a jockey trainer.

“We’re riding real racehorses in front of tens of thousands of people,” Schorsch said. “People are betting on the race. They have to know you’re capable of doing it safely.”

The training pushed her physically, but it also felt surprisingly familiar.

“It reminded me a lot of musical theater,” she said. “The fitness testing and riding assessments felt like being back in auditions.”

On race day, Schorsch will ride Lunario, an experienced racehorse whom she trusts. Lunario recently won the Thames Hospice Trunks Across the Thames Handicap at Ascot Racecourse on July 11.

“He’s wonderful,” she said. “He’s won a lot of races and knows exactly what he’s doing.”

While she admits her competitive side would love to bring home the trophy, Schorsch already considers the experience a success.

“The winner is really the charity,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible education, including my time at Emerson. If this race helps provide that opportunity to someone else, that’s what matters.”