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During his lifetime, the third Earl of Richmond had a great love of horses and horse racing, and to maximise his enjoyment of the sport, he commissioned the building of a racecourse on his lands at Goodwood, with the first meeting taking place in 1802.
Unfortunately, after putting in so much effort to realise his dream, the Earl was only able to enjoy five years of Goodwood racing, as at the age of seventy two, he passed away in 1806. But in the form of his brain-child, The Glorious Goodwood Festival of Racing, he left the nation a magnificent legacy.
The track at Goodwood is situated on the edge of the Sussex Downs, and is regarded by many a good judge as one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world.
Set amongst such magnificent pastoral surroundings, it is hardly surprising the five day festival of Glorious Goodwood has become a unique amalgam of superior horse racing and social chic. It is certainly an experience everyone should sample at least once in their lifetime.
The current course stages over twenty days of competitive racing each year, but without a doubt, the highlight is the five day sporting and social institution of Glorious Goodwood. This meeting features some of the most ancient and prestigious prizes in British horse racing, including: The Goodwood Gold Cup, established in 1812, The Molecomb Stakes, established in 1833, The Nassau Stakes and Stewards Cup, both established in 1840, and The Sussex Stakes, first run in 1841.
Goodwood is used solely for flat racing.
The course combines a straight section which is joined by a straight chute and an extended loop. The main straight is a railed section which runs from the three and a half furlong mark and continues past the winning post for another four furlongs. Normally, the section after the winning post is used as a pulling up area, but as described later, it is also used for special long distance races.
Returning to the chute course. This is a straight section of around three furlongs, which joins on to the main course to produce a straight course for sprint races of up to six furlongs in duration. Apart from the last one hundred yards, this straight sprint course is consistently downhill, which makes it one of the fastest sprint courses in British racing.
On the straight sprint course, a fast start is essential. In large fields, historically, a low draw gave an advantage. But, in recent years, events have shown, a good horse can win from nearly any draw position.
Longer races use the right handed loop course, which joins on to the straight course at the three and a half furlong mark. The loop is a significant course in its own right, being one mile two furlongs in circumference. All races over six furlongs have to use the loop course.
In Goodwoods longest race, over a total distance of two miles and five furlongs, horses use every section of the non chute railed course. They start at the far end of the pulling up area , run what is normally the wrong way for the home straight, pass the winning post in the wrong direction, then they negotiate a left hand bend at the three and a half furlong point, and race around the full right hand loop, and rejoin the straight course at the starting point of the loop, before heading back down the home straight in the normal direction.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
This enclosure is only open during the Glorious Goodwood five day meeting.
Viewing is available from the March Grandstand, in front of the winning post, and the Charlton Grandstand, which is nearby. There is also access to all the other public areas of the racecourse, including the winners enclosure, and parade ring.
For extra coverage of the racing, a giant television screen is positioned next to the winning post for all race meetings, and for the Glorious Goodwood festival, an additional giant screen is positioned in the paddock area.
Fine dining, and good views of the racecourse, are available from the Charlton Hunt Restaurant. For an array of seafood dishes, the Double Trigger Restaurant is well worth a visit.
For less formal meals, the racecourse provides the Horsewalk Carvery, plus several other bar and snack facilities.
Due to the uneven terrain and decking used in this area, ladies are advised not to wear stiletto heels.
This is the main enclosure for most Goodwood meetings. It provides access to the Sussex Grandstand, parade ring, and winners enclosure.
During Glorious Goodwood, formal dining is available in the tented Gordon Restaurant, but because of the popularity of this facility, advance booking is strongly recommended.
On the ground floor of the March grandstand, there is a good selection of bars and snack facilities, including, Barrie Cope seafood, fish and chips, and pizza.
Bar and snack facilities are also available on the ground floor of the Sussex Grandstand.
This ticket provides views of the long home straight and winning post. To enhance racing enjoyment, a giant television screen has been positioned in this enclosure.
This is the traditional picnic area, but for safety reasons, bringing alcohol onto the racecourse is not permitted. However, there are plentiful bar and snack facilities provided within the enclosure.
Goodwood prides itself on its facilities for the disabled.
The course has disabled parking areas for registered badge holders. There are lifts, ramps, and specialist toilet facilities in all relevant areas. The easy access viewing platform provides good vistas of the racing action. Plus, there are lowered counters for food, drink, and tote betting.
Wednesday 18 May
Saturday 21 May
Monday 30 May
Friday 03 June
Friday 10 June
Friday 17 June
Access to Goodwood is off the A27, with the racecourse entrance roads being around five miles from Chichester along this main route.
Some of the racecourse car parks are free of charge, but others have charges, and have to be booked in advance. For clarification, contact the racecourse company.
Chichester is the nearest railway station, being four point six miles from the racecourse.
There are direct train services to Chichester from London Victoria, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
A shuttle bus service operates between Chichester railway station and the racecourse. Full details are available from Goodwood Racecourse Ltd.
The nearest regional airport is Southampton, being around twenty seven miles from Goodwood.
Southampton airport offers flights to numerous destinations throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Private aircraft can obtain permission to land at Goodwood airfield, which is only two miles from the course. Telephone, 01243 75 50 61.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land at the racecourse.
Goodwood Racecourse Ltd,
Goodwood,
Chichester,
West Sussex,
PO18 0PS.
The Old Railway Station, Petworth.
Tel No: 01798 34 23 46.
The Old Station Petworth is an exclusive four star hotel masquerading as a guest house. The main station buildings have been magnificently restored to provide a nostalgic but beautifully appointed guest lounge, breakfast room, two guest rooms, and even a small library. The four accompanying Pullman Carriages on either side of the station platform combine loving restoration and innovation, and offer eight unique en suite guest rooms. If you don’t fancy the walk to the station buildings in the morning, you can even enjoy your breakfast, and possibly a bottle of champagne, in your Pullman room.
For Goodwood race goers who want to maximise memories of an excellent racing experience, the Old Station Petworth offers a unique and unforgettable base for your visit.
Tel no: 01243 573 234.
With an eponymous “Millstream” meandering through its beautiful gardens, the Millstream hotel is set in the heart of the pretty quayside village of Bosham. Just four miles west of the historic cathedral city of Chichester, and seven miles from Goodwood Racecourse, the combination of coast, city, countryside and the sport of kings is utterly beguiling and many guests return again and again.
This charming hotel offers comfortable, well-equipped and tastefully decorated bedrooms. Period furniture, a grand piano and bowls of freshly cut flowers feature in the drawing room. While dinner in the attractive restaurant will be a highlight of your stay, as the Chef uses locally sourced, seasonal, produce to create memorable cuisine. We are also sure you will enjoy the relaxed ambience created by the notably efficient and friendly staff.
http://www.millstream-hotel.co.uk/