Goodwood Racecourse

Betting at Goodwood

Our guide gives you all the tips you need: from spotting the best horse to placing a bet. 18+ only. Goodwood Racecourse is committed to ensuring that your day remains fun at all times and we therefore advocate safe gambling practices. Explore more at BeGambleAware.org

Jason Watson and Gifted Master (maroon and red) win the Unibet Stewards' Cup Handicap Stakes on the fifth and final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2018, QGF..Picture date: Saturday August 4, 2018..Photograph by Christopher Ison ©.07544044177.chris@christopherison.com.www.christopherison.com

Introduction to Horseracing

At a glance, a group of horses race over a set distance and the fastest one wins. There are, however, a few other factors to take into account: horses’ characters vary greatly on a given day, the tactics employed by the jockeys, differing ground conditions, the track itself and good old-fashioned bad luck. Combine these and what you have is a spectacle that is far from predictable. That’s what makes racing so exhilarating, so Glorious.


Spotting a Good Horse

There is no real rule to what makes one horse faster than another, sadly, so spotting a nice ‘type’ in the paddock is far from straightforward. But choosing a horse with a bright eye, shiny coat, pep in his step and a calm demeanour is definitely a good start.
Horses parade before the Unibet Stewards' Cup Handicap Stakes on the fifth and final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2018, QGF..Picture date: Saturday August 4, 2018..Photograph by Christopher Ison ©.07544044177.chris@christopherison.com.www.christopherison.com

The start of the Qatar Stewards' Sprint Handicap Sprint on the fifth and final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2018, QGF..Picture date: Wednesday July 2, 2014..Photograph by Christopher Ison ©.07544044177.chris@christopherison.com.www.christopherison.com

Jockeys

Jockeys must ensure that they can be a given weight when they ride in a race. For example, if a horse carries 9st 3lbs, the jockey must be able to stand on the scales before the race with the saddle, wearing full kit and colours and be that exact weight. This works hand in hand with spotting a good horse. Once you've collated everything, you can head over and place your bet on your 'preferred' horse for each race.

Picking a Winner

A day at the races wouldn't be complete without having a bet on the horses but picking a winner is never easy - unless you happen to be very lucky. We've compiled a brief guide to help you to, hopefully, have a profitable day and leave the course with that winning feeling.

Frankie Dettori leaps from Regal Reality (5) after winning The Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes on the fourth day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, QGF2018.Picture date: Friday August 3, 2018..Photograph by Christopher Ison ©.07544044177.chris@christopherison.com.www.christopherison.com

Everyone's Turf

Horseracing offers something for everyone, and at Goodwood Racecourse, it’s no different. Whether you want to dress up or dress down, take your family for a fun day out, dance to live music or enjoy great food, there's a fixture that's right for you. What are you waiting for? There really is something for everyone with over 400 fixtures across 49 racecourses this Summer. A day at the races can be everyone’s turf, come see for yourself!
Qatar Goodwood Festival 2021
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