About Qatar Goodwood Festival

About Qatar Goodwood Festival

One of the highlights of the British summer is the annual horse racing festival known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’. Steeped in over two centuries of tradition, Goodwood racecourse is situated to the north of the Trundle Iron Age hill fort, just five miles outside Chichester, West Sussex.

From its inception as a private race meeting arranged by the third Duke of Richmond in 1801, Goodwood has evolved into a major spectacle on the British flat racing calendar.

It’s highlight is undoubtedly the annual 'Glorious Goodwood' meeting, officially known as the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Held each year in late July and early August, the festival is home to three of the UK's pile of Group 1 flat races - the Sussex Stakes, the Goodwood Cup, and the Nassau Stakes.

Goodwood is as unique as it is complex, with a straight six furlongs, uphill and downhill stretches, severe undulations and sharp turns.

Historically, Goodwood has been a ground for innovations in horse racing, from the introduction of the first flag start on a British racecourse in the late 18th century to the first-ever horsebox commissioned in the 19th century.

It has seen legendary victories, from Double Trigger's three-time win in the Goodwood Cup to Frankel's back-to-back triumphs in the Sussex Stakes.

Today, the Qatar Goodwood Festival attracts over 100,000 racegoers, along with countless others who tune in from around the world.

For those who love horse racing, the thrill of placing a bet, and the rich heritage of the sport, there is nothing quite like the experience of 'Glorious Goodwood'.

History of Glorious Goodwood

1801
The third Duke of Richmond arranges a private race meeting for local army officers and members of the Goodwood Hunt. It was such a success that it was opened up the public the following year.
1802
Glorious Goodwood was founded. The highlight was a head-to-head race between horses owned by the Prince Regent and the Duke of Richmond.
1836
Trainer John Scott wins his first Goodwood Cup with Hornsea, he will go on to win another seven. The last in 1860 with Sweetsauce.
1841
The first version of the Sussex Stakes is run over six furlongs for two-year-olds.
1878
The Sussex Stakes becomes the one-mile race it is today, and is first won by Clocher. Hungarian racehorse Kincsem, renowned for her unbeaten streak of 54 races, wins the Goodwood Cup.
1928
Legendary jockey Sir Gordon Richards pilots the first of his eight Sussex Stakes wins on Marconigram.
1953
Goodwood welcomes a record one-day crowd of 55,000 spectators.
2006
The Nassau Stakes saw one of the greatest Goodwood races, with superstars Ouija Board and Alexandra Goldrun battling out a photo finish.
2011
Midday wins her third consecutive Nassau Stakes.
2012
Frankel wins his second consecutive Sussex Stakes, with leading trainer Henry Cecil landing the last of his record-breaking seven triumphs in the race.
2020
Stradivarius wins the last of his record-breaking four Goodwood Cups.
2023
Today, the Qatar Goodwood Festival annually attracts over 100,000 racegoers, with many more attending other fixtures throughout the spring and summer. The grandeur and tradition of Goodwood continues to thrive.