GOODWOOD RACECOURSE


Goodwood Racecourse has been a centre of British horse racing for more than two centuries. Established in 1801 by the 3rd Duke of Richmond, it began as a small meeting on the South Downs before quickly developing into one of the country's most respected Flat racing venues. Over the years, Goodwood has become synonymous with the famous Glorious Goodwood festival, attracting many of the sport's finest horses, jockeys and trainers. Its combination of historic tradition, spectacular scenery and top-class racing continues to make it one of Britain's most celebrated racecourses.

goodwood racecourse

Key Characteristics

Goodwood racecourse consists of a straight six furlong course which has a slight incline to start but then is all downhill towards the winning post. The 5 furlong course is one of the quickest in the country and races can be lost at the start if you are slowly away. Courses over further distances are uphill to start but then have this downhill finish. The undulations and sharp downhill finish mean that the course is quite sharp and tends to suit the nippy horse rather than the galloper.

Course map


Goodwood racecourse Map

Interesting Facts about Goodwood Racecourse

  • Racing at Goodwood began in 1802.
  • The racecourse was established by the third Duke of Richmond.
  • Goodwood is set high on the South Downs in West Sussex.
  • The five-day summer meeting is widely known as Glorious Goodwood.
  • The Sussex Stakes is one of the course’s leading Group 1 races.
  • The Goodwood Cup is one of Britain’s major long-distance Flat races.
  • The course is right-handed and has a distinctive, irregular layout.
  • Several starts are positioned on separate sections of the course.
  • Goodwood’s elevated location provides extensive views across the surrounding countryside.
  • The racecourse forms part of the wider Goodwood Estate.
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