Best foot forward for a record year at Goodwood

RECORD prize money, a record number of fixtures and most probably a record number of runners and racegoers are expected as Goodwood puts its best foot forward in anticipation of the busiest year in its illustrious 207-year history.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Apr 2009, 15:20 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 04:06 BST

It is true there is a recession, but with a new Bank Holiday fixture on May 25 and substantial additional funding from the Levy Board which will result in total prize money of 3.75 million, 2009 is set to be a very exciting year for everyone at the West Sussex racecourse.

June Friday evenings are due to receive a makeover, while a 1.5 million investment by caterers Compass Group and a newly-formed alliance between Payne and Gunter and Goodwood in the form of Goodwood Food, will see the racecourse offer the very best in hospitality.

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The new Bank Holiday Fixture on Monday, May 25, which will be billed as a Family Fun Day with free entertainment throughout the racecourse takes the number of fixtures to 23, the greatest number of racedays since racing started at Goodwood in 1802.

Managing Director Rod Fabricius explained: "We are often referred to as the world's most beautiful racecourse and people also talk about what a great place Goodwood is to socialise, but I am delighted that our commitment to prize money, turf husbandry and our desire to promote world class racing was supported by owners and trainers alike.

"Raven's Pass may have lost to Henrythenavigator in the BGC Sussex Stakes, but he returned in August to win the totesport.com Celebration Mile before going on to victory in the QE II Stakes at Ascot and the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita gaining revenge over Henry on both occasions."

For full feature see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette, April 22

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