Qatar Goodwood Festival
With under a month to go, the countdown is on to the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, the five-day is one of the undisputed highlights of the British Flat racing season, renowned world-wide for sporting excellence, magnificent scenery and a truly unforgettable experience on the South Downs. The summer showcase is set to attract many of the world’s leading thoroughbreds, their sporting connections and the attention of the global media.
THE RACING
Kyprios and Trawlerman are on course for the latest instalment in their growing rivalry in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup on the opening day of the festival, Tuesday 30 July. The head-to-head score between the duo stands at one apiece, with Trawlerman prevailing in last season’s British Champions Long Distance Cup and Kyprios gaining revenge in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Kyprios became only the third horse to regain the Gold Cup and the six-year-old will be looking to repeat the feat at Goodwood, having missed last year’s Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup due to injury.
The cream of the crop of top international milers are among the entries for the £1 million Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes on Wednesday, 31 July and include the St James’s Palace Stakes hero, Rosallion, and Jersey Stakes winner, Haatem, both for trainer Richard Hannon. If that wasn’t already a mouthwatering prospect, Charlie Appleby looks set to add further spice by setting-up a third clash with his 2,000 Guineas winner, Notable Speech.
There is so much to look forward to with 39 races, including the Qatar International Stakes for Pure Bred Arabians and the Markel Magnolia Cup opening the programme on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, and we sincerely hope you will be able to share as much of it with us as you possibly can.
EPIC ENTERTAINMENT
A vibrant, lively destination, The Earl’s Lawn, promises to deliver an electric atmosphere with live music and top DJs. Located at the heart of the Gordon Enclosure, headlining will be the ever-popular saxophonist group Entourage, before DJ Sarah Bo Parker takes to the decks. Back by popular demand and exclusive to the Lennox Enclosure, Squinty McGinty’s Band will be bringing lively Irish music.
FABULOUS FOOD AND HOSPITALITY
The Richmond, Gordon, and Lennox Enclosures all offer a wealth of places to eat and drink alongside exceptional experiences for hosting clients and colleagues, or family and friends. From refined fine-dining such as the Charlton Hunt Restaurant, where award-winning chefs deliver fantastic food celebrating the finest local produce to shared bars such as botanical-themed Sussex Roof Garden – perfect for that celebratory occasion. The easy-eating, great value, curated street food collection presented by KERB will be centre and focus on the Earl’s Lawn, with Goodwood’s soiree, Strawberries and Cream, offered each day.
GLORIOUS GROUPS
Tailor-made for a group get together, so if you are planning on attending as part of a group of 5 or more, our fantastic group ticket rates mean up to 20% off can be obtained at checkout.
All tickets, and hospitality for the Qatar Goodwood Festival can be purchased by visiting Goodwood.com or calling 01243 755055 to find out more.
