PICTURES and report: Spitfire and stars of turf take centre stage at Goodwood

Before Friday’s and Saturday’s racing, a Spitfire performed a flypast to mark next week’s 80th anniverasary of VE Day.

The poignant moment was well received by those present and proved a fitting opening to both days of action on thr track, which threw up some fantastic contests in beautiful early-summer conditions that all concerned will hope to be the norm for Goodwood’s fixtures through the season.

See pictures from the opening day – by Malcolm Wells – in the slideshow in the video player above

Each day had one listed contest. Friday’s British Stallion Studs EBF Daisy Warwick Fillies' Stakes gave John and Thady Gosden an early-season success on the Downs as their 7/1 chance Shaha won under Kieran Shoemark, beating the 3/1 favourite Scenic by a length and a quarter.

Saturday’s feature went to the Gosdens, too – the racingclub.com Conqueror Fillies' Stakes was taken by their 3/1 favourite Crimson Advocate, ridden by Rab Havlin.

Other trainers beware – the Gosden camp are clearly aiming for a big summer of success at Goodwood, a track where they have enjoyed many big wins over the years.

But there was much more to Goodwood’s well-attended two opening days than those listed contests.

Another of Friday’s highlights was the British Stallion Studs John Dunlop EBF Conditions Stakes – named in honour of the legendary West Sussex trainer – which went to Amiloc (6/1) for Hector Crouch and Ralph Beckett.

Other winners on Friday were Havana Hurricane, Rosario, Chairmanoftheboard, Grecian Legacy – ridden by local favourite Jim Crowley – and Diamond Bay.

On Saturday, other winners were Pop Dancer, Mr Hampstead, Tsuki, Sir Lowry’s Pass – a second winner of the day for Havlin – Cavalo Nero and Consolidation. Those results also included a double for jockey Rossa Ryan.

Next up at Goodwood is the May festival, with back-to-back fixtures on Friday, May 23, and Saturday 24.