Goodwood Racecourse & Glorious Goodwood Sussex Racecourses Chichester UK

Goodwood Racecourse & Glorious Goodwood

It's the social angle, referred to by Edward VII as 'a garden party with racing tacked on', combined with the best of European horse racing that gives Goodwood Racecourse a particular edge. A busy fixture list of races run through the summer season from May to October. In 2008 Goodwood held 22 race days, with 23 race days on offer for 2009. Continuous innovation at Goodwood has meant a consistent increase in race days and despite the ever growing popularity of Motor Sport and Golf at Goodwood, it is Goodwood Racecourse that remains the 'jewel' of the estate. A choice of restaurants located within each enclosure are on-site with the Charlton Hunt Restaurant in the Richmond Enclosure affording spectacular views of the racing whilst more informal dining is at the Horsewalk Carvery ideally positioned near the Horsewalk. Children under 17 accompanied by an adult enter Goodwood free of charge and a creche is available in the Gordon Enclosure during the Glorious Goodwood event. Family Days are also a regular feature and see details of the GG Fun Club via the Goodwood Estate's webguide. Hospitality facilities are extensive, also detailed in full via the Goodwood Racecourse webguide, with a range of options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Three Enclosures are at Goodwood including the famous Richmond Enclosure alongside the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures. The Richmond Enclosurre is open to all visitors except during Glorious Goodwood when the area, which includes the March and Charlton Stands, is open to members and their guests only. The Gordon Enclosure is Goodwood's main enclosure, popular with celebrities and incorporating the Sussex Grandstand and the Paddock, Parade Ring and Winners' Enclosure. The Lennox Enclosure offers superb views of the home straight towards the Winning Post. Comprehensive details of catering facilities, admission prices and Tote pools are via the Goodwood Racecourse webguide.

For Race meets gates open 11.30am for all afternoon meetings except for Glorious Goodwood when gates open earlier at 11am. For Evening meetings gates open at 4.30pm. Free car and coach parking is available for all meetings on-site. See Goodwood admissions details via the website for the location of car parks and disabled car parking.

Goodwood Racecourse, Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex. PO18 0PS. Freephone: 00 44 (0)800 018 8191. Telephone. 00 44 (0)1243 755022.

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Goodwood Racecourse History

Horseracing has been on the Goodwood Estate since 1802 and Goodwood Racecourse, with its sublime backdrop of the South Downs is one of Britain's most beautiful and internationally acclaimed racecourses. The third Duke of Richmond was the man responsible for introducing horse racing to the Goodwood Estate. His motivation was to supply the turf for the Sussex Militia, for which the Duke was a colonel, when the Earl of Egremont did not renew the availability of Petworth Park for the Sussex Militia's annual races in 1801.

The course at Goodwood was originally called The Harroway and from the very first race meets Goodwood was a great success under the eye of the third Duke who is also noted as an early patron of the great painter of horses George Stubbs, some of whose work is on show in Goodwood House. Goodwood really began to boom after the Second World War and has seen dramatic changes to great effect and increasing popularity through the 20th century. The summer Glorious Goodwood series of races annually at the end of July is world famous not only for its world class racing but also for its fashion highlights. Dress code encouraged in the Richmond Enclosure during the festival is hats for ladies and jackets and ties for gentlemen. It was Edward VII at the beginning of the 20th century who first introduced the famous Goodwood linen suit and tie for men and this trend continues today. Outside of the Richmond Enclosure dress is more informal.

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