September 3rd, 2010

The horseracing track at Goodwood, set in the heart of the Sussex countryside, is home to the annual Glorious Goodwood racing festival which hosts two of the most notable flat races in the British racing calendar – the Sussex Stakes and the Nassau Stakes.

The racecourse at Goodwood, set in the Sussex Downs, is notorious for its beautiful surroundings – however, thanks to its close proximity to the South coast it is often plagued by fog.

Goodwood House has been the seat of the Duke of Richmond for over three centuries. It was the third Duke of Richmond who introduced flat racing to the grounds back in 1802. With no particular passion for racing himself it was for the benefit of his Officers that the Duke – also Colonel of the Sussex Militia – introduced the event.

As a racing venue, Goodwood enjoyed success from the start; the first two-day meeting was so successful that a more ambitious three-day meeting was held the following year under Jockey Club Rules.

Horseracing at Goodwood was suspended during the Second World War but Goodwood’s popularity began to grow again further into the second part of the twentieth century. Nowadays Glorious Goodwood attracts over 100,000 people, eager to experience the excitement of the five-day event.

The third day at Goodwood is known as ‘Ladies Day’, when racing enthusiasts and fashionistas gather to show off and compare designer outfits and flamboyant headwear. It is on this day that the Goodwood Cup, Goodwood’s oldest and most popular race, is also held.

Of course Goodwood is not only known for its horseracing. Its property and grounds have become a thriving business with motor racing, golf, aviation, forestry, organic farming and a privately run hotel, all within a mile of Goodwood House.

Photo credit: Dan Taylor