Deluge can’t stop success of Goodwood’s bank holiday racing
Bosses at Goodwood declared their three-day bank holiday meeting a big success - despite a deluge on its showpiece day.
The rain that has been so rare this summer came on Saturday, casting a cloud over Celebration Mile day. But it didn't ruin the big race – and all three days brought some absorbing contests.
Zavateri won the £200,000 feature race while Light Of Dawn took Sunday's Prestige Stakes.
Director of racing Ed Arkell said 23mm of rain fell on Saturday and the going was soft, but Friday and Sunday's conditions were fine and the event as a whole was a great success.
"We had some great racing on each of day of the three, and Zavateri won well – and is a horse who seems to have captured race-goers’ imagination.”
Racecourse director James Crespi said: “The August Bank Holiday meeting brought three days of fantastic, competitive racing.
"The weather didn’t quite play ball – dry conditions meant we had to cancel Friday night’s fireworks - but there was still plenty to enjoy, with racegoers taking in the carousel and big wheel at our funfair.
"Much-needed rain fell on Saturday, though it didn’t dampen spirits as racegoers enjoyed Zavateri winning the Celebration Mile. Sunday was more pleasant, with families enjoying all the additional entertainment laid on. We still have three days of racing left and we hope to make the most of what remains of summer.”
They race again at Goodwood next Tuesday.
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