Goodwood attendance across public enclosures up 10 per cent

Attendance at the 2025 Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar was up 10 per cent across public enclosures compared to last year.

James Crespi, Racecourse Director at Goodwood Racecourse, said: “The 2025 Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar has had it all - brilliant sunshine, torrential rain and, of course, world-class racing against the beautiful backdrop of the Sussex Downs.

“This year we have been delighted to welcome Visit Qatar as the new headline sponsor of the event.

"Racegoers were able to experience the very best of Qatari hospitality, courtesy of the Visit Qatar activation in the Richmond Enclosure which offered complimentary, bespoke mementos and traditional refreshments. We look forward to our continued partnership with Visit Qatar and working together to elevate the festival as a highlight of the British horseracing season.

“We saw an historic result in the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes on Wednesday with Qirat's 150-1 victory, when he became the biggest-priced winner of a British Group One.

“Ladies' Day on Thursday got off to a great start with the Markel Magnolia Cup which was won by Sophie Forsyth, an insurance underwriter for race sponsor Markel International. Crowds cheered the dedication and hard work of all 12 riders who have not only been training hard but also raising funds for The King's Trust International's Project Lehar.

He added: “Come rain or shine, the fabulous fashion of our racegoers was wonderful to see, and we were delighted to welcome RIXO as the winners of the 2025 Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award in association with the British Fashion Council.

"On the opening day of the festival, they showcased three designs, inspired by a visit to Goodwood House earlier in the year, which will now enter the Goodwood Collection.

"Our thanks to RIXO Co-founders Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey as in a Qatar Goodwood Festival first, the vintage-inspired design duo not only received the Talent in Fashion Award, but also created the colourful racing silks for the Markel Magnolia Cup."