What to Expect at Glorious Goodwood 2015?

The racing world is getting ready for this year’s Glorious Goodwood, which is always one of the most exciting events on the sporting calendar. Goodwood is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful racecourses and its location – an hour from London – makes Glorious Goodwood a very popular event. 

So what can racing fanatics expect from this year’s edition?

Champion Jockey

Racing fans looking to bet on Glorious Goodwood races online will have a close eye on the champion jockey, Richard Hughes, who is looking to defend his title this year. Hughes has been the top jockey at the festival for four years in a row and he is certainly the man in the saddle to watch. For Glorious Goodwood races click here.

In total he has won 50 times at Goodwood and whichever horses he is riding at the festival this year will be in with a real shot. Among the most fancied rides Hughes has lined up for the week are Hannon’s Sea Shanty, while Toormore  and Beacon also have a good chance.

No more Moore

Ryan Moore is perhaps the most exciting young jockey in racing today but he is set to miss this year’s Glorious Goodwood event through injury. Moore, the leader in the race to be this season’s champion jockey, may be out until the autumn as a result of a problem with his neck. In the absence of Moore, jockeys such as Hughes and Silvestre de Sousa will be hoping they can record a few wins at Goodwood and make the headlines.

Prize Money Boost

Prize money is always good at the festival and this year sees the pot expanded by over £2 million as a result of the partnership between Goodwood and Qatar. Total prize money is now set to be around the £4.5 million mark with the Goodwood Cup, the Lennox Stakes and the King George all seeing their prize money at least doubled compared to last year. Goodwood organisers are also hoping that the increase in prize money helps to push those three races from Group 2 status into Group 1 class, adding even more prestige to the event.

Frankie’s Track

Frankie Dettori has always been a fan favourite and gamblers using William Hill to place bets on Glorious Goodwood will be looking out for his name, as he is in fantastic form. Dettori rode his first British winner at Goodwood 28 years ago and the course has a special place in the Italian’s heart as a result.

The veteran is set to ride Star Of Seville in the Qatar Nassau Stakes, one of the biggest races of the festival, with the Group 1 race worth £600,000. Dettori is also expected to be on board King Of Rooks in the Molecomb Stakes and Shalaa, on the slate for the Qatar Richmond Stakes.

“You are only as old as you feel,” says 44-year-old Dettori. He’s set to have a big festival this year. 

Family Friendly

Glorious Goodwood has worked hard to be more family friendly in recent years, with the launch of a new playground in 2013 making the event a more engaging experience for children. This year, kids under 18 get in free with an accompanying adult and picnics are also welcome in the Lennox Enclosure to help keep costs down for families.

Live music is always at the heart of Glorious Goodwood and this year’s event will be no different, so don’t miss it!

Glorious Goodwood 2015 runs from 28th July until 1st August. Why not bet on 2015 Glorious Goodwood Ladies Day with William Hill – top notch odds & runners.