|
|
Gazeteer: Race Courses of Great Britain and Ireland
 |
|
Geographic Listing Ordered by County and Month | |
Compiled and Written by Nigel Pullen |
| | Goodwood racecourse lies high up on the South Downs on the Goodwood estate, owned since 1694 by the Duke of Richmond. Racing began there almost by accident when, in 1800, the 3rd Duke of Richmond put on a race meeting to entertain officers who were on stand-by along the south coast of England, braced to meet a possible invasion from Napoleon. It was a huge success, and in 1801 the first public race meeting was established racing there permanently. Although it now has several meetings, the big one is held in July. | | Right-Goodwood Cup 1838 won by Harkaway; bottom right--Goodwood Cup 1833 won by Rubini; bottom left--Goodwood Cup 1860 |
| |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
First Run: 1812
Month Run: July
Venue: Goodwood, Sussex, England
Distance: 2 miles 5 furlongs
Status: Handicap race for 3 year olds and upwards |
|
|
The Goodwood Cup is one of the most famous Goodwood races, an important event for stayers founded in 1812 by the 3rd Duke of Richmond. Initially a three mile run for a 100 guineas trophy, the distance was later dropped to 2 miles 5 furlongs, and has been won by some of racing's great names, including Priam, Alice Hawthorn, Doncaster, and St. Simon. |
|
|
|
|
First Run: 1843
Month Run: July
Venue: Goodwood, Sussex, England
Distance: 1 mile 2 furlongs
Status: Group 1 for 3 year old fillies and upwards |
|
|
Originally a race confined to three-year-old fillies, the Nassau Stakes was opened up to older fillies and mares in 1975, to make the race more competitive. It was upgraded from Group 2 to Group 1 status in 2000. The Goodwood track is a twisting, undulating course on downs land, and does not suit the big, long striding horse. |
|
|
|
|
First Run: 1841
Month Run: July
Venue: Goodwood, Sussex, England
Distance: 1 miles
Status:Group 1 for 3 year olds |
|
|
The first Sussex Stakes has now become a major race in the calendar for all top-class milers. |
|
|
