-
Three-year-olds and up. Two miles and five furlongs. First run 1823. (Note: race distance 2m 3f up to 1989; 2m in 1990; 2m 4f 1991–2000)
One of Goodwood’s oldest races, known as the Goodwood Stakes, this long-distance handicap has always been a popular feature of the Festival Meeting.
In 1990 the distance of the race was reduced by three furlongs to two miles following the moving of the winning post and the introduction of new race distances but the following year it was extended to two and a half miles and in 2001 the trip was further extended to two miles and five furlongs so as to have a race over the traditional trip of the Coutts Goodwood Cup which was reduced in distance to two miles. The runners start in front of the stands and go the reverse way down the course initially. This race is now the longest run at Goodwood.
Hugs Dancer was victorious in 2001 and 2000 and became the first horse since Golden Fire (1962 & 1963) to win two years in succession. The tough and versatile gelding also won the Ebor Handicap and the Chester Cup before transferring to Australia where he won a Group Two event.
Baddam landed a famous double at Royal Ascot in 2006, winning both the Ascot Handicap and Queen Alexandra Stakes, and the popular stayer swept to another marathon triumph in the 2008 renewal.
Jump trainers dominated the finish of the 2010 race with the Nicky Henderson-trained Ghimaar defeating Ascot
Handicap winner and subsequent Cheltenham Festival hero Junior, saddled by David Pipe, by a length and a half. It was Henderson’s second success in the race, following Afrad in 2005.
Dual-purpose trainer Micky Hammond, based in Yorkshire, saddled his first Goodwood winner when Hollins triumphed at 20–1 in the 19-runner renewal in 2011.
GUIDE TO GLORIOUS GOODWOOD 2012 – CLICK HERE
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
