Ten reasons to be part of something Glorious this Summer
The Qatar Goodwood Festival, which takes place from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 August, is one of the undisputed highlights of the British sporting calendar and social.
The world-famous five-day festival, affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, presents spellbinding sport to the backdrop of the rolling Sussex Downs. To whet the appetite for an exquisite week where the greatest stars in turf flat racing are crowned champions, here are a few things to savour.
The Racing
As one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious horseracing amphitheatres, the hallowed turf of Goodwood Racecourse hosted its first public race meeting in 1802. Today, 19 days of racing across the summer season are on offer with cumulative prize pool of over £8 million awarded to winning connections.
The flagship Qatar Goodwood Festival will feature 13 Group races attracting the who’s who from racing’s global stage. Day one gets underway with the historic Goodwood Cup, the highest ranked stayers race in the world. Last year, Kyprios emerged as the latest star in the division with a commanding success over four-time winner Stradivarius and Trueshan in a race for the ages.
The best milers go head-to-head on day two in the most valuable race of the festival for the £1 million Qatar Sussex Stakes. A race famed for many an epic ‘Duel on the Downs,’ in recent years. The race has been won by exceptional racing talent, including last year’s victor Baaeed who went on to be crowned the highest rated flat racehorse in the world on turf.
Thursday features a celebration of the best fillies and mares in the world, Japanese trained racehorse Dierdre raised the roof when successful in the Qatar Nassau Stakes in 2019.
A total of four quality Group races on Friday, with the headline King George Qatar Stakes featuring the fastest horses in the world. The Coral Stewards’ Cup cavalry charge on Saturday concludes the week, a race that sees over 20 sprinters galloping down the Goodwood home straight for a chance at glory and a place in history.
To add to the sense of momentous occasion, Frankie Dettori will end his remarkable career in 2023 after revealing his intention to retire from the saddle.
Incidentally, he has enjoyed more success at Goodwood than almost anywhere else bar Ascot and his home track, Newmarket. Victory aboard the likes of Iffraaj, Cape Cross, Ouija Board, Too Darn Hot, and Stradivarius are a few that spring to mind in an extraordinary career on the South Downs, these amongst a wealth of ours have marked him out as the most famous jockey in the world.
It is without a doubt horseracing’s superstar will be lining up a few more winners at Goodwood this summer, principally at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, giving his many adoring fans a chance to witness his talents one last time.
The Secret Garden
A beautiful floral-filled hospitality space designed to feel like walking into a private garden party
Stepping into the Secret Garden is breath-taking – the restaurant is designed to provide a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Served straight from the Chef’s table, enjoy a range of delicious dishes inspired by locally sourced produce. Choose from cold plates such as whole sides of kiln roasted salmon and Nutbourne tomatoes, hot dishes such as charred Goodwood estate pork, estate beef, and beetroot falafel finishing with a selection of sweet puddings. Served after lunch, there’s no finer location for an afternoon tea to complete your race day experience.
Hospitality to Savour
Each enclosure offers a wealth of places to eat and drink alongside exceptional experiences.
Unique entertaining spaces include the Charlton Hunt Restaurant, where accents of walnut and marble pair with menus celebrating the finest local produce.
Shared bars such as botanical-themed Sussex Roof Garden, are perfect for that family reunion or celebratory occasion, while the Sussex Lounge bar offers a more informal place to use as a base for group get togethers.
The perfect pour
If soaking up the sultry summer atmosphere with friends and family over a beverage is your go-to, why not sip a summer gin cocktail at the Nicholson Gin Pavilion.
What’s more the Gusbourne Sparkling Wine Package will allow guests to celebrate at the Qatar Goodwood Festival with a complimentary bottle of English Vintage Sparkling Wine, alongside a food voucher, and enclosure ticket.
Grab a refreshing Goodwood Beer brewed using home-grown malted barley and enjoy complimentary Strawberries and Cream will add to the sense of occasion when offered daily across the racecourse.
Entertainment
The Earl’s Lawn is the place to be and be seen this summer. Located at the heart of the Gordon Enclosure, live music and Instagram-worthy moments provide the perfect pièce de resistance.
The Centre and focus will be a brand-new bandstand which will provide the hub for the guaranteed good times. Headlining will be the ever-popular saxophonist group Entourage, before a live set will be hosted by DJ Sarah Bo Parker, party tunes and electric energy will be will undoubtedly be the theme across the five days.
Back by popular demand and exclusive to the Lennox Enclosure, Squinty McGinty’s Band will be bringing lively Irish music, which is sure to leave racegoers dancing until the sunset.
Fashion to the fore
Fashionistas flock to the Qatar Goodwood Festival with sensational style hitting an all-time high come Ladies’ Day on Thursday 3 August.
Racegoers are encouraged to dress with a natural flare while being comfortable and cool. Choose from key trends this season such as head-to-toe blooms, statement stripes or wallpaper prints. If you prefer something plain, soft pastel hues look equally fresh and contemporary.
The Panama Hat is an icon of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, worn by women and men alike. Its wide brim is perfect for shielding your eyes from the sun, and its timeless style makes it the perfect addition to any outfit.
Goodwood celebrates sensational style on Friday, with racegoers encouraged to wear the signature pastel blue and white colours of L’Ormarins for a chance to win a trip of-a-lifetime to South Africa.
The Lord March Racing XI vs. Lord’s Taveners Cricket Match
Set to the picturesque backdrop of Goodwood House, after the first day of racing, the popular annual cricket match between Lord March Racing XI and the Lord’s Taveners will welcome ex-professional sportspeople of the Lord Taveners to take on the Lord March Racing XI. Free to attend, it’s an unmissable evening of sport.
The Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award
With the Goodwood Estate’s rich heritage of fashion through the ages the Qatar Goodwood Festival launched the Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award last season.
Created in partnership with the British Fashion Council, on the first day of the festival, the award will once again recognise innovative fashion, alongside the creativity and flair of a young British designer. The winner will follow in the footsteps of former successors Richard Quinn and Molly Goddard, with three beautiful couture designs on display for racegoers to admire.
The Markel Magnolia Cup
Twelve inspirational amateur riders’ line-up for the Markel Magnolia Cup in the name of charity on Friday 4 August. Since its inception the charity race has raised a phenomenal £2 million for amazing causes, including Cancer Research UK, Smart Works and The Brilliant Breakfast.
Previous jockeys have included doctors, Olympians, CEOs, journalists, students, models, and presenters, among them; Edie Campbell, Sara Cox, Rosie Tapner, and Vogue Williams. In 2019 the race captured the eyes of the world when Khadijah Mellah galloped to glory down Goodwood’s home straight, while Ashleigh Wicheard took a knee in the Goodwood paddock to promote diversity and boost the profile of black women in the sport during last year’s renewal.
The challenge for all those involved this year requires total commitment, zealous pursuit of excellence, and sheer hard work to win – it is a must-see moment on Friday 4 August.
Fun for the family
The Lennox Enclosure isfantastic for a family day out, owing to its relaxed surroundings. A large children’s playground and flat grassy picnic spots next to the running rail put racegoers close to on-course action as the race unfolds with tickets starting from just £25.
At the height of the British School Summer Holidays, the Qatar Goodwood Festival offers all under 18’s the opportunity to go racing free of charge when accompanied by an adult. In addition, a return bus service to and from Chichester Station and surrounding towns make the occasion easily accessible for all.
Be part of something Glorious
Goodwood Racecourse is tailor-made for a group get together, so if you are planning on attending The Qatar Goodwood Festival as part of a group of 5 or more, make sure that you take advantage of our fantastic group ticket rates available for the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures, where up to 20% off can be obtained at checkout.
Standard admission tickets start from £25.
All tickets, dining, and hospitality for the Qatar Goodwood Festival can be purchased by visiting Goodwood.com or calling 01243 755055 to find out more.