The Qatar Goodwood Festival, dubbed ‘Glorious Goodwood’ is a quintessentially English event, spread over five days at Goodwood race course, which is composed of three enclosures - Richmond, Gordon and Lennox.
The racecourse is located on the outskirts of Chichester, in the Sussex countryside. The 3rd Duke of Richmond involved Goodwood in horseracing in 1802, to entertain army officers.
Our Racing Breaks ambassador Frankie Dettori won his first UK race at Goodwood in 1987 and won the penultimate race, the Qatar Stewards Cup in 2015. Dettori has called Goodwood racing “fabulous” and the course “beautiful,” not surprising as Goodwood has been called ‘ the most beautiful racecourse in the world.’
There are direct trains from London Victoria to Chichester, which take approximately one hour and forty minutes. Additionally, there are direct trains from Brighton and Portsmouth. The racecourse provides a bus service from Chichester Railway Station to all enclosures. Buses and taxis will also be at the station to take you to the centre of Chichester.
Chichester is full of boutique hotels and B&Bs suiting every price point. The Millstream hotel and restaurant is located between countryside and coast, providing rooms or self catering apartments. Chichester Harbour hotel is a Grade two listed Georgian property, with 36 luxurious rooms and an award winning restaurant.
For an after race meal head to The Fox Goes Free, a true country gourmet pub. The Earl of March is situated two miles from the racecourse and sources local produce for their menu. The Gatehouse, Nags Bar and The Rocking Horse provide the a lively atmosphere and the best cocktails for post betting celebrations.