Glorious Goodwood is one of the most celebrated flat racing festivals in the British horse racing calendar, combining top-class thoroughbred action with a quintessentially English summer setting. The 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival runs from Tuesday 28 July to Saturday 1 August at the stunning hilltop racecourse in West Sussex.
What is Glorious Goodwood?
Officially known as the Qatar Goodwood Festival, Glorious Goodwood is a five-day flat racing meeting featuring some of the most prestigious Group races of the summer season. The festival sits at the heart of the British racing calendar between Royal Ascot and the Ebor Festival at York, attracting the finest racehorses, jockeys, and trainers from Britain, Ireland, and beyond. The meeting includes eight Group 1, 2, and 3 races, headlined by the Sussex Stakes, the Nassau Stakes, and the Goodwood Cup.
When is Glorious Goodwood 2026?
The 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival takes place from Tuesday 28 July to Saturday 1 August 2026. Racing runs across all five days, with the feature races spread throughout the week. The Sussex Stakes, the centrepiece of the meeting, is traditionally held on the Wednesday, while the Goodwood Cup takes place on Tuesday and the Nassau Stakes on Thursday.
Where is Glorious Goodwood held?
Goodwood Racecourse is located on the 12,000-acre Goodwood Estate near Chichester in West Sussex, England. Perched on top of the South Downs, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world. The unique right-handed, undulating track and panoramic views over the Sussex countryside make it unlike any other venue in flat racing. The course is approximately 60 miles south of London.
Key Contenders
Glorious Goodwood draws the best middle-distance and staying horses in training. The Sussex Stakes regularly features milers who have contested the 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes earlier in the season. Leading trainers such as Aidan O’Brien, John and Thady Gosden, Charlie Appleby, and William Haggas are perennial contenders across the week. The festival’s varied programme, ranging from five furlongs to two miles, ensures competitive fields in every race.
How to Watch Glorious Goodwood
In the United Kingdom, Glorious Goodwood is broadcast live on ITV Racing, with all five days receiving terrestrial television coverage. Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing also provide comprehensive coverage. International viewers can access live streams through their local racing broadcast partners. Live results and race cards are available through the Goodwood website and major racing platforms.
History of Glorious Goodwood
Racing at Goodwood dates back to 1802 when the 3rd Duke of Richmond established the course on his private estate. The meeting quickly became a fashionable fixture in the social and sporting calendar, earning its “Glorious” epithet during the Victorian era. The Sussex Stakes was first run in 1841, while the Goodwood Cup is even older, dating to 1812. Legendary horses including Frankel, who delivered a breathtaking Sussex Stakes victory in 2012, have graced the Goodwood turf. The course’s association with Qatar as title sponsor since 2015 has brought increased investment and prize money to the festival.
Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival are available through the Goodwood website. Options include the Richmond Enclosure (the premier enclosure with the best views of the winning post), the Lennox Enclosure, and the Gordon Enclosure. Hospitality packages and private boxes are also available. Advance booking is recommended, as Saturday and the Sussex Stakes day are particularly popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code at Glorious Goodwood?
The Richmond Enclosure has a smart dress code requiring gentlemen to wear a suit or jacket and tie, while ladies are encouraged to dress stylishly. The Lennox and Gordon Enclosures have a smart casual policy. Goodwood is known for its relaxed yet elegant atmosphere compared to Royal Ascot.
What is the feature race at Glorious Goodwood?
The Sussex Stakes (Group 1) is the flagship race, a one-mile contest for three-year-olds and older horses that regularly produces champion milers. Other highlights include the Goodwood Cup (Group 1) for stayers and the Nassau Stakes (Group 1) for fillies and mares.
How do I get to Goodwood Racecourse?
Goodwood is located near Chichester, West Sussex. The nearest railway station is Chichester, from where shuttle buses run to the racecourse on racedays. By car, the course is accessible via the A27 and A285, with on-site parking available.
Is Glorious Goodwood suitable for families?
Yes, the festival is family-friendly with children’s entertainment areas and activities available. Children aged 17 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult, making it an accessible day out for families.
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