The Qatar Goodwood Festival 2023
The Goodwood Festival embodies the essence of the British summer – as surely as rain on a bank holiday. This world-famous event offers five exciting days of horse racing action, kicking off with Goodwood Cup Day and followed up by Sussex Stakes Day. Ladies Day, featuring the Nassau Stakes, encourages the female of the species to dress in their finest attire. Then we have King George Day taking place on Day 4 – and concluded with Stewards’ Cup Day on Day 5 – Saturday.
So, what was it that we could look forward to this year? Let’s take a look at the timetable.
Tuesday 1 August: Goodwood Cup Day
The much-awaited sporting pinnacle of the flat-racing season starts off with a bang. Whether watching on TV or heading over in person, you get to experience a delightful array of top-quality racing, featuring the historic Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. Meanwhile, fashion lovers can revel in the Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award.
After an exciting day of racing, why not check out the annual cricket match between Lord March Racing XI and the Lord’s Taverners, set against the picturesque backdrop of Goodwood House?
- 13:50 Unibet ‘you’re On’ Chesterfield Cup Handicap 1m 2f
- 14:25 Unibet Vintage Stakes 7f
- 15:00 Unibet Lennox Stakes (Group 2) 7f
- 15:35 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) 2m
- 16:10 Back To Goodwood Handicap 5f
- 16:45 British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes 6f
- 17:20 Unibet Fillies’ Handicap 1m
- 17:50 World Pool Ebf Fillies’ Handicap 6f
Wednesday 2 August: Sussex Stakes Day
Check out day two’s horse racing results and see if you manage to pick the winner of the Qatar Sussex Stakes – the most prominent highlight of the flat racing season and Goodwood’s race of champions.
Known as the ‘Duel On The Downs,’ this race attracts the most remarkable horses in training, including past winners like the legendary Frankel, the sensational Solow from France and the powerful Mohaather in 2020.
- 13:50 Unibet ’15 To Go’ Handicap 1m 4f
- 14:25 Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) 7f
- 15:00 Markel Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) 5f
- 15:35 Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1) 1m
- 16:10 British Stallion Studs Alice Keppel Ebf Fillies’ Conditions Stakes 5f
- 16:45 British Ebf Premier Fillies’ Handicap 1m 2f
- 17:20 Singleton Handicap 7f
Thursday 3 August: Ladies’ Day
Ladies’ Day at the Qatar Goodwood Festival is a must-attend event for any fashionista, where you can flaunt your finest attire and have a great time with your friends… There’s also some racing thrown in too.
The prestigious Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes takes centre stage on the eight-race card, making it a highlight of the day’s festivities.
- 13:50 Unibet ’15 To Go’ Kincsem Handicap 1m 2f
- 14:25 Unibet Richmond Stakes 6f
- 15:00 John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes 1m 4f
- 15:35 Qatar Nassau Stakes (Group 1) 1m 2f
- 16:10 Goodwood Racecourse Patrons Nursery 7f
- 16:45 TDN Australia EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes 7f
- 17:20 World Pool Handicap 5f
Friday 4 August: King George Day
The Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes is a thrilling contest where the world’s best sprinters compete – with the legendary Battaash adding to its prestige. The Markel Magnolia Cup, The Coral Golden Mile and the Group 3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes combine to create a memorable start to the long weekend of racing.
If you’re heading over to watch it in person, you are encouraged to wear L’Ormarins’ signature blue and white colours – for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa in the Best Dressed competition!
- 13:50 Unibet 3 Boosts A Day Goodwood Handicap 2m 4½
- 14:25 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes 1m
- 15:00 Unibet Golden Mile Handicap 1m
- 15:35 King George Qatar Stakes (Group 2) 5f
- 16:10 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Glorious Stakes 1m 4f
- 16:45 Unibet Deposit 10 Get 40 Bonus Nursery 6f
- 17:20 Tatler Handicap 1m 3f
Saturday 5 August: Stewards’ Cup Day
The Qatar Goodwood Festival culminates with a perfect day of thrilling racing. The final day features the exciting Coral Stewards’ Cup – a famous cavalry charge down Goodwood’s home straight. Past winners, including Lochsong, Dancing Star, and Khaadem in 2019, add to the race’s iconic status.
- 15:00 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 2) 1m 6f
- 15:35 Unibet Stewards’ Cup (Heritage Handicap) 6f
So, hopefully, you now know what to expect for this year and next (and beyond). Five glorious days at Goodwood with some of the best racers in the world and action to keep you at the edge of your seat…