Sports at Goodwood
Our Sporting Passions
Our story begins with the 1st Duke of Richmond. His 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, with golf, cricket, motor racing, horseracing and flying on the estate.
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.
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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.
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 'Glorious' Goodwood Festival in July is the pinnacle but there is still much to savour in the rest of the summer calendar.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Cycling
Cycling has always been steeped in the 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 and have allowed us to keep this heritage going with cycling sessions at Goodwood Motor Circuit.