Qatar Goodwood Festival opens stylishly on July 28

The Qatar Goodwood Festival, a premier event in the British flat racing season, commenced on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Goodwood Racecourse in Chichester, West Sussex. Known as Glorious Goodwood, the five-day festival features 38 races and more than £6.5 million in prize money, concluding on Saturday, August 1. The opening day saw racegoers dressed in elegant summer attire under clear skies, a welcome contrast to last year's rain-soaked event.

The festival's first day included eight races, with the Goodwood Cup headlining the afternoon's schedule. The event is set against the backdrop of what is often described as one of the world's most beautiful racecourses. Over the five days, the racing program includes 13 Group contests, with three flagship Group 1 races: the Sussex Stakes, the Goodwood Cup, and the Nassau Stakes. The first race each day is scheduled for 1:50 p.m.

Attendees adhered to specific dress codes, particularly in the exclusive Richmond Enclosure, where gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie and women are expected to wear garden party attire. Other enclosures encourage smart, elegant dress without formal codes. The sunny weather, with temperatures...