Goodwood Racecourse Guide

Goodwood bills itself as 'the most beautiful racecourse in the world' and any viewing of the Sussex-based gem would help make a compelling argument for such a status.

Located in West Sussex, the track boasts panoramic views that stretch across the Downs and further south towards the English channel, out towards the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

The course at Goodwood is quite unique and the most high profile British track that doesn't contain a full loop. It's a Flat-racing only course and the jewel in their crown is the five-day Glorious Goodwood meeting in the July/August.

Here's our guide to Goodwood racecourse.

What	Glorious Goodwood Festival
Where	Goodwood Racecourse, Sussex
When	Tuesday 1st August – Saturday 5th August, 2023
How to watch	bet365 Sports Live Streaming, ITV & Racing TV

Key Races at Goodwood

Flat 

- Cocked Hat Stakes 
- Molecomb Stakes 
- Lennox Stakes 
- Vintage Stakes 
- Gordon Stakes 
- Sussex Stakes 
- Richmond Stakes 
- Lillie Langtry Stakes 
- Goodwood Cup 
- King George Stakes 
- Nassau Stakes 
- Celebration Mile 
- Supreme Stakes

Racing at Goodwood only has a short window each year, from May until early autumn, but the famous Sussex layout packs plenty into that five-month journey.

The May Meeting boasts a trio of Listed-grade races include the Cocked Hat Stakes for 3YOs but it is in high summer that the track is sprinkled with stardust via the Glorious Goodwood Festival. 

Taking place during the final week of July/first week of August, the five-day festival is laced with top-class racing. The Sussex Stakes is a Group 1 mile that pits Classic-generation horses against their elders and often provides a definitive line on the form in that division from earlier in the year.

Further Group 1s come via the Goodwood Cup over two-miles and the Nassau Stakes over a mile-and-a-quarter for the fillies, while the entire five days is awash with quality group-race action and very competitive handicaps. 

Track Layout 

Situated on the picturesque South Downs, high above the English south-coast town of Chichester, Goodwood is almost unmatchable when the sun shines. 

The uniqueness of the switchback track makes Goodwood something very different amongst the pantheon of Britain's best racecourses. Experience here can be absolutely vital and, even more so, those that succeed at Goodwood often need to rely on an even share of luck.

The right-handed track is undulating throughout and features two bends - all races up to a mile-and a-quarter use the lower bend, and anything in excess of eleven furlongs use the top bend.

The pronounced downhill gradients make Goodwood essentially a sharp track, while the five-furlong course is one of the fastest in the world. 

The nature of the course makes it tricky for those held up to make their challenges, ensuring that aforementioned slice of luck is needed, particularly for those racing close to the running rail, with traffic woes commonplace in competitive fields. 

The start for the Goodwood Cup is quite close to the winning post as the horses travel outwards on the straight, around the loop and back up the home straight. 

Visiting Goodwood

Goodwood prides itself on having been crafted lovingly over centuries and a day at the races here is good for the soul.

Goodwood encourages all racegoers to wear what makes them feel unique but comfortable, while also embracing a quintessentially British style – whether that's high fashion or something more classic, it's about a relaxed yet chic look.

Most enclosures retain the relaxed feel, with the Richmond Enclosure requiring gents to wear a jacket and tie and ladies to don a floaty or floral dress or an elegant top and trouser/skirt combination that is suitable for England in summer.

From trendy private bars and perfectly positioned restaurants, racegoers can choose from a wide selection of places to eat and drink at Goodwood. These include: The 1812 Bar and Conservatory, The Gusbourne Pavilion serving elegant, fresh and multi-award-winning English vintage sparkling wines, the Brixton Brewery Craft Ale Bar, the Sip & Saddle Bar for cocktails lovers and the famous Sussex Roof Terrace Bar.

A range of shared bars, restaurants, private boxes and hospitality options are available to complement a day at the races in Goodwood while the Richmond, Gordon and Lennox Enclosures offer a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere with something for all the family to enjoy.