- Wingwalkers air display to open proceedings each day of Season Opener.
- First fixture of the season will also celebrate the wider Estate with a Goodwood Farm Shop pop up, vintage Land Rovers and more.
- Racegoers can find style inspiration at May Festival on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May.
- Tickets and hospitality available to purchase at goodwood.com.
Horseracing returns to Goodwood this May, as the scenic Sussex racecourse launches its 2026 season with two unmissable fixtures: Season Opener (1 & 2 May) and May Festival (22 & 23 May).
Season Opener - Friday 1 & Saturday 2 May
As the racecourse opens its gates for the inaugural fixture of the 2026 season, Season Opener celebrates the Goodwood Estate in its entirety.
Following last year’s unforgettable Spitfire flypast commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, eyes will once again turn to the skies for an exhilarating Wingwalkers air display. Racegoers can see the Wingwalkers swoop into action over the racecourse soon after gates open on both Friday and Saturday.
In the Richmond Enclosure, the Goodwood Farm Shop will set-up at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Seafood Bar, offering their signature produce and offerings for racegoers to purchase.
Meanwhile, apprentices from Chichester College’s restaurant, 64, will take over Double Trigger on Friday 1 May. Goodwood and Chichester College work closely throughout the year, with the Estate’s chefs offering mentoring and hands-on experience to students. Goodwood’s own flagship restaurant - Farmer, Butcher, Chef - will serve a vibrant, spring-inspired menu on Saturday 2 May, showcasing their signature field-to-fork ethos.
Adding to the heritage atmosphere, vintage Land Rovers will offer complimentary trips to and from the starting stalls for the second, fourth and sixth races.
Racegoers can also enjoy a different type of horsepower as Goodwood’s Motor Circuit presents its ultimate racing simulator experience. The race simulators will be located at the Racecourse for both days and will give racegoers the opportunity to take on the challenging circuit, getting to know it's fast-sweeping corners and quick straights.
Horseracing action will include three valuable Listed contests: the Daisy Warwick Stakes, the Conqueror Stakes and the Chelmer Stakes. These races attract some of the most exciting fillies and mares that will no doubt be talking points as the flat season progresses.
May Festival - Friday 22 & Saturday 23 May
As spring gives way to early summer, Goodwood invites racegoers to be inspired at its May Festival fixture, and start thinking about getting ready for ‘Glorious Goodwood’.
May Festival is the perfect place to find inspiration and perhaps source one or two pieces that epitomise Goodwood’s effortlessly elegant style for the season ahead. Hand‑picked retailers and milliners, including Rebecca Gray, Lisa Tan, Camilla Ridley and Hector’s Clothing, will help elevate racegoers’ attire through a curated boutique pop‑up in the March Stand.
Back by popular demand, Stone & Skillet returns to Double Trigger, serving a menu of delicious dishes crafted with local ingredients.
May Festival features a highly competitive racecard, including three Listed contests: The Height of Fashion Stakes, The EBF Cocked Hat Stakes and The Festival Stakes, with each race benefitting from increased prize money.
Gates open from 11.30am for both fixtures, with tickets and hospitality available at goodwood.com.
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