Goodwood

Goodwood Racecourse, near Chichester is one of the more picturesque English racecourses and plays a significant role in the flat racing calendar. Set within the South Downs National Park its a stunning spot in which to watch top class racing.The racecourse itself in undulating and stretches 1 mile and 6 furlongs. It features a six-furlong straight known as the “Stewards’ Cup Course” which has a steep descent followed by a climb to the finish line.

Among the many of races hosted at Goodwood the most notable is the ‘Glorious Goodwood’ festival, held annually in late July / early August, which features five days of ummissable racing. Standout races in those 5 days include the Goodwood Cup, a Group 1 race featuring some of the best stayers from around the country and indeed world, the Sussex Stakes, which sees the elite of the mile division go head to head, and the King George Stakes.  The festival’s atmosphere is electric and as its summer, the fashions on display deserve a mention too. Other Goodwood events in the racing calendar include May’s Spring Meeting, and Septembers Autumn Meeting (featuring the Foundation Stakes listed race).

The racecourse offers plenty of scope for getting a great view too, from the grandeur of the Richmond Enclosure, which also provides top dining experiences, to the more relaxed atmosphere of the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures. Each provides fantastic vantage points from which to watch the action unfold and to cater to different budgets and preferences. You can even stay at The Goodwood Hotel at the heart of the Goodwood Estate. With 91 rooms it is said to offer ‘the very essence of British style.’ There’s the Hound Lodge and Goodwood House too for further attractive accommodation options.

There are numerous bars and hospitality suites, and membership options including tours of the course, and meetings with jockeys and trainers. What better way to get inside the action and to be on the receiving end of insightful glimpses and tidbits not known to the masses. Other non horse racing experience days on the Goodwood esate include driving, flying, and golf. What a feature packed place.