"A garden party with racing tacked on" — King Edward VII's memorable description of Glorious Goodwood remains as apt today as it was over a century ago. The Qatar Goodwood Festival, which concludes this weekend, continues to embody the unique alchemy of serious sporting endeavour and languid summer elegance that has made it the jewel of the flat racing calendar.
The Theatre of Dreams
Perched high upon the Sussex Downs, Goodwood Racecourse commands one of the most spectacular vistas in world racing. The rolling chalk downlands stretch away toward the Solent, while below, the Roman market town of Chichester basks in the summer heat. It is a setting that would not be out of place in a Stubbs painting — indeed, the master's works hang in the nearby Goodwood House, their red and yellow racing silks echoing the colours that have adorned this estate for centuries.
The very geography of Goodwood shapes its character. Unlike the flat expanses of Newmarket or the urban confines of Ascot, racing here unfolds against an amphitheatre of natural beauty. Nestled high up on the South Downs National Park, and just a short drive from the Roman market town of Chichester, Goodwood has a reputation of being one of the most beautiful courses in the world.
For a deeper look at the event’s character and traditions, explore our Glorious Goodwood guide.
A Week of Sporting Theatre
The Qatar Goodwood Festival runs across five days, from Tuesday through Saturday, presenting 37 races across the five days including 13 Group races. Each day carries its own distinct character and sporting narrative.
Tuesday opens with the venerable Goodwood Cup, inaugurated in 1808 and standing as one of the oldest races in the calendar. This Group 1 contest over two miles has witnessed some of racing's most memorable staying performances, with legends like Double Trigger claiming the prize three times in the 1990s and Stradivarius achieving four consecutive victories from 2017 to 2020.
Wednesday belongs to the Sussex Stakes, the week's showpiece with its prize fund of £1 million. This Group 1 contest over the mile has witnessed some of the greatest performances in racing history — none more memorable than Frankel's successive victories in 2011 and 2012.
Thursday features the Nassau Stakes, a race steeped in tradition since 1840, providing a stage for the finest fillies and mares to display their prowess over the extended mile and a quarter.
Friday brings the King George Qatar Stakes, a Group 2 sprint that has crowned champions from Lochsong to Battaash, while the Golden Mile Handicap provides compelling betting heat for the punters.
Saturday concludes with the Stewards' Cup, a big field sprint handicap that has been the final flourish of Glorious Goodwood since 1840.
The Goodwood Style
What truly distinguishes Goodwood is its singular approach to the marriage of sport and society. Ever since King Edward VII relaxed the dress code in the 19th century, we have enjoyed a carefree holiday feel here, unlike any other racecourse. The monarch's sartorial rebellion — trading morning dress for linen suits and Panama hats — established the Glorious Goodwood trend that persists today.
This relaxed elegance permeates every aspect of the festival. Where Royal Ascot demands rigid formality, Goodwood encourages a more leisurely interpretation of race-day attire. The result is an atmosphere both sophisticated and approachable, where the emphasis falls upon enjoyment rather than strict adherence to protocol.
Beyond the Racing
The festival's culinary offerings reflect the same attention to heritage and quality that characterises the racing. From the exquisite dining in the Secret Garden, to the easy-eating curated street food collection presented by KERB or enjoying our complimentary Strawberries and Cream, the gastronomic experience matches the sporting one in its blend of tradition and innovation.
For families, the Lennox Lawn is the ideal spot for families to enjoy a picnic whilst delighting in close-up views of the horses charging past on the track, while children can explore the trackside adventure playground. Meanwhile, the Earl's Lawn is a hub of raceday entertainment at Qatar Goodwood Festival, featuring live music, a selection of street food options and Instagram worthy moments for that all-important reunion with family and friends.
A Living Tradition
Racing at Goodwood began in 1802, and through the nineteenth century, 'Glorious Goodwood,' as the press named it, became a highlight of the summer season. More than two centuries later, the festival continues to evolve while honouring its roots.
The estate's commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident throughout. When Farmer, Butcher, Chef opened in 2016 it was awarded the UK's first-ever Royal Academy of Culinary Arts 'Sustainable Food Philosophy Seal', reflecting a broader philosophy that respects both tradition and environmental responsibility.
The Enduring Appeal
What accounts for Glorious Goodwood's enduring magnetism? Perhaps it lies in its refusal to take itself too seriously despite the serious business conducted on the track. Here, sport and society blend seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously competitive and convivial.
The festival succeeds because it understands that racing, at its finest, is about more than mere competition. It is about the shared experience of witnessing equine excellence against a backdrop of natural beauty, enhanced by the company of fellow enthusiasts and the simple pleasure of a well-appointed day in the countryside.
As another edition of Glorious Goodwood draws to a close, one cannot help but reflect upon King Edward VII's prescient observation. Indeed, this remains very much a garden party — one where the racing happens to be rather exceptional.
