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Qatar Goodwood Festival

The Qatar Goodwood Festival is a premier five-day flat horse racing event held annually at Goodwood Racecourse in West Sussex, United Kingdom. Scheduled for July 28 to August 1, 2026, the festival—famously known as "Glorious Goodwood"—is a cornerstone of the British racing season, blending elite international equestrian competition with high fashion and social elegance. Presented by Visit Qatar, the event features a packed schedule of Group races alongside cultural exhibitions that showcase Qatari heritage and hospitality.

Date
Jul 28 - Aug 1, 2026
Qatar Goodwood Festival

Event summary

Highlights

  • The Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, one of Europe's most valuable one-mile races
  • Visit Qatar Pavilion in the Richmond Enclosure showcasing Qatari heritage
  • Authentic Qatari cuisine pop-up led by Chef Salman Al Jaidah
  • A five-day program featuring 13 Group races and elite international talent
The 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival continues its long-standing tradition as one of the most prestigious fixtures in the international flat racing calendar. Hosted at the historic Goodwood Racecourse, the five-day meeting attracts the world's finest horses, jockeys, and trainers. The racing program is headlined by several Group 1 contests, most notably the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, which has seen a significant increase in prize money to become one of the most valuable one-mile flat races in Europe. Other major races throughout the week include the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, the Qatar Nassau Stakes, and the King George Qatar Stakes.

A unique aspect of the festival is the integration of Qatari culture through the event's partnership with Visit Qatar. The Richmond Enclosure hosts a dedicated Visit Qatar Pavilion where attendees can experience immersive heritage displays and traditional hospitality. A highlight of the off-track activities is the culinary pop-up curated by renowned Qatari chef Salman Al Jaidah, offering racegoers a taste of authentic local flavors. This cultural exchange aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote Qatar as a premium global travel destination.

Beyond the competitive racing and cultural showcases, the festival is a major social occasion celebrated for its style and dress codes. The event concludes on Saturday, August 1, with the Group 2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes. With its combination of high-stakes sports, luxury hospitality in the Visit Qatar Lounge, and scenic West Sussex backdrop, the festival remains a highlight for both dedicated racing fans and international social visitors.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.

Sources and further information

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Location map

Approximate area only; exact venue coordinates are not confirmed.

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