Fireworks and spectacular racing the highlights of Goodwood’s August Bank Holiday
From the sensational firework display that took place on Friday evening, to some close finishes and superb performances on the track, the August Bank Holiday fixture at Goodwood Racecourse from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 August was nothing short of spectacular.
On the Friday evening, Baron Bolt won in a thrilling finish to the Chelsea Barracks Handicap, while Pulborough trainer Amanda Perrett scored later in the evening with the progressing Astromachia. After racing, the very popular Batala drummers set a hypnotic beat, drawing crowds round the stands before the fireworks lit up the night sky. So impressed were the crowd by the display, that there was a rapturous applause and cheers after the finale.
On Saturday, there was an incredibly tight finish to the Group 2 Ladbrokes Celebration Mile, with only three lengths separating the entire field of eight at the finish. Andrew Balding’s Beat The Bank landed the prize under Oisin Murphy, for owners King Power Racing. Antonia De Vega was an eye-catching winner of the Group 3 Ladbrokes Prestige Stakes, leading home a high-class field after an impressive turn of foot.
A small but select field contested the recently-upgraded Group 3 Ladbrokes March Stakes, run in memory of local trainer John Dunlop, who died in July. Maid Up, who had won at Goodwood earlier in the season at one of the Three Friday Nights fixtures, beat her two rivals convincingly, under a confident ride from Rob Hornby. Dunlop’s son Harry and grandson William presented the trophy for the race.
On Sunday’s rain-softened ground, Mick Channon landed a treble; Two Blondes, Can Can Sixty Two and Fannie By Gaslight all making the best of the difficult conditions. The feature Weatherbys Racing Bank Supreme Stakes was won by Anna Nerium, ridden by Tom Marquand for Richard Hannon. Marquand paid tribute to the toughness of his filly, who stayed on strongly to beat favourite Dream of Dreams.
With the going changed to Heavy, the final race of the weekend, the Silk Series Lady Riders Handicap, went to Tapis Libre for Joanna Mason, owned by her family, The Laura Mason Syndicate. Much credit was given to commentator John Hunt, who did a sterling job of calling the horses home through thick fog.
Throughout the meeting, racegoers enjoyed family activities in the Lennox Activity Tent, live music, traditional fairground, a magician, donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows and face painting. In Saturday’s beautiful sunshine, the replica beach front was very popular with children and those keen to sit back with some scampi and chips.
The Racecourse is now looking forward to two Midweek fixtures in September (4 & 26), before the season comes to a close on 14 October with the Harvest, Hops and Horseracing fixture. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit goodwood.com
ENDS
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