The world-famous Qatar Goodwood Festival is just weeks away - have you got your tickets?
The Qatar Goodwood Festival presents spellbinding sport and a social occasion like no other, with unrivalled style, scintillating racing and hospitality to savour making for an exquisite week where some of the greatest stars in horse racing are crowned.
Featuring no fewer than 13 valuable group races across the week, exceptional racing action gets underway on day one with the historic Goodwood Cup.
Staying superstar Stradivarius will aim to rewrite history with a fifth win in the race when he returns – an unbelievable feat. The best milers go head-to-head in the £1m Qatar Sussex Stakes on Wednesday, a race that’s been the making of many an epic ‘Duel on the Downs’.
Off the track, the ever-popular Earl’s Lawn is the hub of raceday entertainment. Named fittingly after the Earl of Lonsdale, who was a frequent racegoer in the 1800s and was known for his love of partying, The Earl’s Lawn, with live music and delicious street food, is a perfect place to socialise and capture that Instagram moment.
The Magnolia Cup will be run on Ladies’ Day, July 28. This philanthropic event has gone from strength to strength since the race was conceived a decade ago to overcome the boundaries within sport and, more specifically, horseracing, creating an inclusive community in support of women, their ability and well-being.
Since its inception, the Magnolia Cup has raised more than £1.8m and in 2019 it captured the eyes of the world when Khadijah Mellah galloped to glory up Goodwood’s home straight.
The 18-year-old won in spectacular style just months after sitting on a horse for the first time at the Ebony Horse Club, a club that aims to transform young lives through horses in south London’s most disadvantaged communities.
The horseracing industry has continued to champion her fantastic story with the Riding A Dream Academy, which is passionate about supporting talented young riders from underrepresented communities inspired by Khadijah Mellah’s story.
Applications to ride in the race can be made online and each year 12 dedicated amateur jockeys undertake months of intensive training to achieve their dreams. Most have never set foot in a racing yard before their training begins and participation requires total commitment to achieve success, a zealous pursuit of excellence and sheer hard work to win.
Fundraising milestones achieved continue to surpass and set the bar for the Goodwood Estate with £230,000 realised in 2021 for Smart Works, a new record for the charity event.
Over the years, the Magnolia Cup has supported a wealth of phenomenal women’s charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Winston’s Wish, The Haven Breast Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.
Tickets for the Qatar Goodwood Festival start from £25 and under-18s go free. Go to www.goodwood.com/horseracing/qatar-goodwood-festival/