Goodwood

Sports

The 1st Duke of Richmond’s love of hunting led him to Goodwood in the 1690s, where one of the first and most fashionable hunts in the country was based. Ever since, sport has played a pivotal role here.

Our Sporting Passions

The oldest rules of cricket were drawn up for the 2nd Duke in 1727, and when the 3rd Duke commissioned the architect James Wyatt to extend the house, he added grand stables, kennels and in 1802, a racecourse. In the 20th century, fearless Freddie March, 9th Duke and renowned engineer, pilot and amateur racing driver, introduced flying and motor racing. Latterly his grandson, the Earl of March, revived these motor-racing events to thrill growing crowds of enthusiasts each year. He also made substantial improvements to the Downs golf course, originally laid out by James Braid, known for his designs for celebrated sites such as Gleneagles.

01

Motorsport

Goodwood Motor Circuit was officially opened in September 1948 when Freddie March, the 9th Duke and renowned amateur racer, tore around the track in a Bristol 400. He received a rapturous response from 15,000 spectators who had come to see the opening of Britain's first professionally organised motor racing event since before the War.

MOTORSPORT AT GOODWOOD

Freddie March, 9th Duke of Richmond and winner of the "Double Twelve"

02

Horseracing

Glorious by name, glorious by nature. What began in 1802 as something to keep the 3rd Duke’s officers in the Sussex militia entertained has evolved into a unique opportunity to watch the equine elite running at one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world. The Qatar Goodwood Festival is the pinnacle but there is still much to savour in the rest of the summer calendar.

HORSERACING AT GOODWOOD

03

Flying

Flying training began here in 1940, when RAF pilots learned to fly Hurricanes and Spitfires in the skies above Goodwood. Building on the endeavours of these young men, our Aerodrome remains a centre of excellence for flying with aeronautical engineering, tuition and flying experiences for both professionals and enthusiasts.

FLYING AT GOODWOOD

04

Golf

The first ever round of golf played at Goodwood was in 1901 when the 6th Duke of Richmond opened the course on the Downs above Goodwood House. Arguably, it was not until 1914 that Goodwood evolved into a serious venue for golfers, when Lord Bernard commissioned James Braid to re-design the course. Despite decades of improvements, Braid's vision still remains evident. Today, Goodwood has two 18-hole championship courses, a modern clubhouse and an impressive Academy. If you love golf, you'll feel at home at Goodwood.

GOLF AT GOODWOOD

05

Shooting

We’ve been hosting shooting parties for hundreds of years and know exactly what’s required to make the day just right. Clay shooting takes place in a secret disused quarry and makes for a unique day out for friends, family or colleagues.

SHOOTING AT GOODWOOD

06

Cricket

Goodwood House was the first place where cricket was played regularly, giving Sussex the claim to be the birthplace of club cricket. Indeed, matches have been played in front of the house since 1702, and the oldest existing rules for the game were drawn up for a match between the 2nd Duke and a neighbour.

CRICKET AT GOODWOOD

07

Cycling

Cycling also has its place in the sporting heritage of Goodwood, with one of the more notable UCI Road World Championships held here in 1982. Both Giuseppe Saronni and Mandy Jones won the title. Today, cycling sessions are regularly held at Goodwood Motor Circuit.

CYCLING AT GOODWOOD