Goodwood Racecourse Events: The Top 5 Racing Events of 2023

One of the UK’s most prestigious racecourses has a fantastic line-up of events scheduled for 2023. Here are the best Goodwood Racecourse events this year, as well as everything you need to know about locations, dress code, and places to stay.

The Chichester racetrack affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’ is home to some of the biggest races on the British calendar, such as the Sussex Stakes, the Goodwood Cup and the Nassau Stakes.

The track is one of the most beautiful and prestigious horse racing circuits in the UK, sitting to the north of Trundle Iron Age hillfort, and has a stacked schedule of events lined up in 2023.

Keep reading to find out our picks for the top 5 events taking place at Goodwood Racecourse in 2023, and how you can secure VIP hospitality packages for them all.

Goodwood May Festival

The Goodwood May Festival is the perfect way to kick off the British flat racing season.

This prestigious event is known for its high-quality horse racing, as well as its stylish and lively atmosphere. The festival takes place over two days and features some of the best racing action in the UK.

The highlight of the festival is the Tapster Stakes, which is one of the most prestigious races in the country and has been won by some world class horses, such as Mirage Dancer and Hukum.  

In addition to horse racing, the festival also features a number of other exciting events and activities, including live music performances, fashion shows, and food and drink options.

It is a great opportunity to experience the thrill of horse racing and enjoy a day out with friends and family. A perfect blend of horse racing and celebration, the Goodwood May Festival is a must-visit event for anyone interested in horse racing or just looking for a great day out.

The Goodwood May Festival takes place on the 26th and 27th of May, VIP tickets are on sale now and start from £153.75 per person + VAT. Get yours now and kick off the racing season in style.

Goodwood Three Friday Nights

Goodwood Three Friday Nights is the ultimate mix of horse racing and parties. The event is held on three consecutive Friday evenings and features a variety of entertainment and activities that appeal to a wide range of audiences.

The event features several races each evening including a mix of flat and jump racing, which provides an exciting and action-packed experience for racing fans. The races are followed by live music performances and DJs that keep the party going into the night.

The event also features a variety of food and drink options including gourmet food stalls, bars and a champagne bar, providing a perfect opportunity to taste and enjoy the local culinary delights.

Goodwood Three Friday Nights is not only a great opportunity to experience the thrill of horse racing but also a great way to spend an evening with friends and family. The event has an atmosphere of celebration and fun, making it perfect for a night out.

Goodwood Three Friday Nights take place on the 9th, 16th and 23rd of June, VIP tickets for the events are on sale now and start from £162.50 per person + VAT. Get yours now for the biggest horse racing party of the year.

Goodwood Family Race Day

Goodwood Family Race Day is a perfect blend of high quality thoroughbred horse racing and family fun.

The single day track meet features a jam packed day of high octane competition, with a massive seven race card lined up for the event.

The day also features a whole host of family fun, with talented magicians, balloon artists, live music acts, shuttle bus trips to watch the races start and, best of all, a huge classic fairground, all of which are completely free for race goers!

Goodwood Family Race Day is a must-attend event for any horse racing enthusiast, or anyone looking for a fun and exciting day out with the family. So, mark your calendars and come join the fun on the next Goodwood Family Race Day!

Qatar Goodwood Festival

The Qatar Goodwood Festival is the premier horse racing event held at Goodwood Racecourse, and is known throughout the world for its sophistication, world class racing and stunning visuals.

This five-day spectacle attracts some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world, making it one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the UK.

The festival, which typically takes place in late July or early August, features a number of high-stakes races, including the Qatar Goodwood Cup, the Sussex Stakes, and the Nassau Stakes.

In addition to horse racing, the festival also offers a variety of other activities, such as fashion shows, live music, and gourmet food and drink.

The Qatar Goodwood Festival is not only a celebration of horse racing, but also of fashion, food, and entertainment. The event attracts a diverse range of visitors, from horse racing enthusiasts to fashionistas, and offers something for everyone to enjoy.

August Bank Holiday Racing

Goodwood Racecourses August Bank Holiday Racing weekend is the ultimate summer racing event in 2023.

This dazzling weekend of racing commences with the annual Friday night firework display that lights up the Sussex sky with a symphony of colour, paired with a stunning musical display.

The Saturday and Sunday combines exhilarating fast-paced thoroughbred racing with serene summer vibes. The weekend has a whole host of entertainment, including a traditional fun fair, a petting zoo, face painting, a circus, live music and much more.

The event features the Celebration Mile and Prestige Stakes, the Supreme Stakes and the amateur jockey's handicap, the most prestigious races outside of the course's flagship event the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

August Bank Holiday Racing is the ultimate weekend of family summer festivities at the beautiful picturesque grounds of ‘Glorious Goodwood’ Racecourse.

VIP tickets for Goodwood’s August Bank Holiday Racing are on sale now and start from £153.75 per person + VAT. Get yours now and don't miss out on a summer of fun.

Why not have the ultimate luxury Goodwood experience with VIP box hospitality?

Want to enjoy a day out at ‘Glorious Goodwood’ with the highest level of luxury and comfort that the course has to offer? Then this is the package for you.

Situated within the course's premier Richmond enclosure, the March Stand Box hospitality package offers guests the finest Goodwood race day hospitality experience available.

Benefit from exclusive use of a premium twelve seater box, featuring magnificent views of the winning post from a private balcony, to catch the best of the day's racing action.  

Guests will be greeted with a canape reception upon arrival, and dine on a delicious three course freshly cooked meal served inside the box.

The package also includes premium complimentary beverages including champagne and spirits, served throughout the day by a dedicated box host.

March stand Box hospitality is available for all Goodwood Racecourse events in 2023, and offers its guests the most amazing horse racing hospitality experience. Get your March Stand Box tickets now.

If you’re a horse racing fan then Seat Unique offers a number of different horse racing hospitality packages for some of the biggest events in 2023.