Over 30,000 flock to Goodwood for August Bank Holiday weekend
A magnificent fireworks display, live music, family attractions and superb racing gave the massive crowds a truly memorable end to their summer of racing at Goodwood Racecourse over the weekend. Attendance figures far exceeded last year’s totals with 30,212 people going through the gates.
With sunshine swathing the course on Friday 26 August, guests were treated to carnival-style entertainment as Batala drummers and stilt walkers led a procession down to the front of the stands for the start of the fireworks display that provided a dramatic finale to the first day’s events. Afterwards, many people commented on Goodwood’s Facebook page that it was ‘the best display that they had ever seen.’
The good weather continued on Saturday and there was standing room only around the replica beach, as racegoers reclined in deckchairs and listened to live jazz music – ice creams in hands. The youngsters enjoyed meeting a host of animals on the petting farm, a vintage fairground and a circus tent, as the Goodwood Actors’ Guild put on unique entertainment on the lawns.
The feature race of the weekend, Group 2 The Doom Bar Celebration Mile, was won in exciting fashion as Lightning Spear lived up to his name, coming with an electrifying run to land the spoils.
Although clouds descended on Sunday, the weather did not deter the crowds, who were treated to another seven-race card of top class racing and a feast of family fun. Opal Tiara won the Group 3 Doom Bar Supreme Stakes and Pulborough-based jockey Jim Crowley took another step towards landing the Champion Jockey’s title with a double on the day.
The brilliant Class of ’58 rock ‘n’ roll band brought the weekend party to a close.
Racing returns to Goodwood on Tuesday 30 August for the laid-back midweek racing, with another terrific midweek meeting on Wednesday 21 September, when local businesses are invited to come and dine at the course in the ultimate networking opportunity.
ENDS
For press information, please contact: Sam Hanson, Racecourse PR Executive
T: 01243 755 000
M: 07790 921 688
Goodwood Racecourse on social media:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/goodwoodracecourse
Twitter: @Goodwood_Races
Instagram: @goodwood_races
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