Preview: Qatar Goodwood Festival
Although Royal Ascot is the best-known stage of UK horse racing, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, or Glorious Goodwood, is arguably a more glamorous affair, taking place within the lush grounds of Lord March’s Goodwood Estate. It’s an unmissable event for horse racing aficionados and casual fans alike. Here’s what to expect at Glorious Goodwood.
THE OPENING CEREMONY
An unmissable spectacle, the opening ceremony of Glorious Goodwood is always a visual treat. The atmosphere of anticipation and excitement is palpable across the estate as previous year’s winners are celebrated in a parade, displaying their impressive size and strength for the thousands of eager spectators.
THE SUSSEX STAKES
The Sussex Stakes is one of the event’s most illustrious races and a particular favourite of racing fans, who annually attend its regular Day 2 slot in their thousands. The likes of Frankel, Giant’s Causeway, Rock of Gibraltar and Brigadier Gerard have won here, cementing their places as some of the most successful horses ever.
LADIES DAY
For all-out glamour, Ladies Day is an absolute must. Our female counterparts take it very seriously indeed, turning out in their finest gear and most outrageous headwear. But the racing is not to be forgotten and Ladies Day has traditionally been one of the best sporting days of the entire affair, so if you’re only heading to Glorious Goodwood for one day, make it this one.
THE BETFRED MILE
A highlight of Day 4, the Betfred Mile guarantees plenty of intense action and fierce competition from some of the sport’s steeliest sprinters. It never fails to be a thrilling race and with a stellar line up of horses competing this year, you can expect all of the usual dramas to unfold.
THE FINALE
Wrapping up the event, the closing day promises to be full of racing action as well as champagne, strawberries and the usual smattering of Britishness and tradition. Packed crowds will be queuing up to watch the Qatar Stewards Cup, the Qatar Nassau Stakes (British Champions Series) and more.
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