The end of July brings with it one of the most fashionable races in UK’s flat horse racing season. The Glorious Goodwood Festival takes place over five exciting days where some of the best horses in the UK compete.
Throughout the festival there are two races that are the clear highlights of the week.
The Sussex Stakes
The Sussex Stakes race takes place on the 28th July and currently has 13 declared entrants. It is a Group 1 flat race for three year old thoroughbreds and older, taking place over a distance of one mile. This race was established in 1841 as a six furlong race for two year olds. For the first 37 years of its existence it had fourteen walkovers where there was only one runner entered who, in the tradition of British racing, had to walk round the course in order to be awarded the victory of the race. In 1878 it was adjusted to take place over one mile and changed to be only for three year olds. Over the years older horses were gradually allowed to enter the race as well.
To date no horse has ever won this race more than once but owner Sue Magnier is one to watch out for having had her runners win this race five times between 1998 and 2009. For the last few years Aidan O’Brien and J Murtagh have taken home the trophy in this race and they are definitely worth keeping an eye on as is Saeed Bin Suroor’s team.
The Nassau Stakes
Taking place on the last day of the Glorious Goodwood Festival, this race is open to fillies and mares aged three or older and currently has 24 entries in 2010. It is run over one mile one furlong and began in 1840 as recognition of the friendship between the 5th Duke of Richmond (who owned Goodwood) and the House of Orange-Nassau. Over the years the distance has fluctuated between one mile and one and a half miles, until 1911 when the current distance was settled.
Recently Sir Michael Stoute is a trainer to watch at this race, having had a total of seven wins since 1977, with the most recent being in 2004. Kieren Fallon has won this race three times on Sir Michael Stoute’s runners and you want to make sure that you have a keen eye on who he is riding this year.
Other jockeys to look out for are Frankie Dettori and J Murtagh both of whom have performed well and won this race, with Aidan O’Brien’s runners having won two races out of the last three years.
As well as these highlights there are other races that you shouldn’t miss during this festival week. These include the Totesport Mile, Goodwood Cup and the Stewards Cup.
Don’t miss the Glorious Goodwood Festival for a week of profitable betting prospects. Register a betting account and bet on UK racing.