Goodwood Racecourse

Bringing the best information to our members is what we do, today we put Goodwood Racecourse under the spotlight, and we’ll be bringing you key information such as what facilities there are and how you get there.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful courses on the racing circuit, Goodwood is a breathtaking backdrop for the finest flat Horse Racing and is one of the world’s greatest venues for entertaining in international sport.

Goodwood Racecourse

The Racecourse at Goodwood has played host to the Sport of Kings for over 200 years. From its tentative launch as a flat horse racing course for local officers by the third Duke of Richmond in 1802, to its colourful programme of events, fixtures, weddings and entertaining, Goodwood is one of Britain’s great estates and historic homes.

Goodwood Racecourse

The current Duke of Richmond, who trained as an accountant, and his son, Lord March, ensure that the Goodwood Estate is enjoyed by a wide range of visitors and maximises its fullest potential – while retaining its essentially English charm. The racecourse is undoubtedly the jewel in the family’s crown.

The highlight of the racing year at Goodwood Racecourse is the Glorious Goodwood festival, more than 100,000 people flocked through the gates at Glorious Goodwood to enjoy the chic, relaxed and incredibly stylish atmosphere in 2010. There were racing highlights every day – including the The Blue Square Nassau Stakes, The Sussex Stakes, and the Goodwood Cup.

Goodwood Racecourse Facilities

There are three different enclosures at Goodwood Racecourse, which between them cater for every possible taste. To give you an idea of what each enclosure offers you at Goodwood, we composed the following:

The Richmond Enclosure

Whether you are sipping chilled Champagne on the Richmond Lawn, or sampling the mouth-watering dishes in one of the fine restaurants, the Richmond Enclosure is the ideal place to sit back and enjoy racing in luxury. With access to a wide range of places to eat, whether it be for a celebratory lunch, or just a quick bite of seafood, the Richmond Enclosure has it all.

Goodwood Racecourse - Charlton Hunt Restaurant

The award-winning Charlton Hunt Restaurant provides panoramic views across the course. If you have something special to celebrate this is the restaurant to come to. Delicious food, attentive service and magnificent views all add to the ambience and will make your day one to remember.

The Gordon Enclosure

The Gordon Enclosure is the largest Goodwood enclosure and allows access to the Parade Ring. Here you can soak up the atmosphere, study the form and experience the excitement close up as jockeys, trainers and owners prepare for each race.

Goodwood Racecourse - The Gordon Enclosure

At the heart of the matter the Gordon Enclosure is right at the centre of Goodwood Racecourse and so gives excellent views and access to bars and facilities. The Gordon Enclosure enjoys its own lawn area, the Sussex Lawns, the fantastic glass fronted Gordon Pavilion and roof terrace as well as an extensive range of betting facilities, plus a supervised baby and toddler crèche during the Festival Meeting and on Family Fun Days.

Goodwood Racecourse The Experience

Try to arrive at Goodwood at least an hour before racing begins so you have time to familiarise yourself with the racecourse. This is a good time to buy and study a race card from one of the various kiosks around the course.

The race card will tell you everything you need to know – including locations, the day’s events and full race details, including times, runners and riders. The Pre-Parade Ring is the horses’ warm up area, where they are led around by their stable lads or lasses, in preparation for the race.

After leaving the Pre-Parade Ring, horses enter the Parade Ring, giving punters the chance to inspect the horses they fancy backing. Parade Ring access is available from the Richmond and Gordon Enclosures. A bell sounds 10 minutes before the start, signalling that jockeys have “weighed out” and must mount horses and ride out onto the course.

The Winners’ Enclosure can be found in the Paddock and winning and placed horses go here after the race. Winning owners, and sometimes trainers, are presented with trophies in this area.

Goodwood Racecourse Directions

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Goodwood Racecourse Dress Code

At all race meetings in the Richmond Enclosure, gentlemen are required to wear jackets and ties, cravats or polo-neck sweaters. For the traditional, linen suits and the archetypal ‘Goodwood’ Panama hat can be worn, as popularised by King Edward VII in the early 20th Century. Ladies should also dress smartly and are encouraged to wear hats at the Festival Meeting. Jeans and shorts are not permitted at any meeting, for men or women.

Informal dress is permitted in the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures. Bare chests and fancy dress are not allowed in any Enclosure and stiletto heels are not recommended, due to the Goodwood terrain and areas of decking. Goodwood Racecourse makes for a wonderful day out, and I suggest you all check it out.

Make every day a winner!