Star names from across Europe and further afield feature among 42 entries for the G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday, August 2.
With a prize fund of £1 million, Europe’s premier all-aged mile contest is the richest race of the Qatar Goodwood Festival and forms part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
A fascinating clash of the generations is in prospect, with English an Irish 2,000 Guineas winners Chaldean and Paddington entered alongside leading older milers Modern Gamesand Inspiral.
G1 Saudi Cup victor Panthalassa heads two contenders for Yoshito Yahagi, with the six-year-old set to run in Europe over the summer. Stable-mate Bathrat Leon, who was also successful on the Saudi Cup card, could make his second appearance in the Qatar Sussex Stakes after finishing fourth behind Baaeed last year.
High-profile entries yet to race this season include Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa, who was last seen out capturing the G1 National Stakes in September, and Sir Michael Stoute’s G1 Dewhurst Stakes third Nostrum.
Ed Arkell, Director of Racing at Goodwood, said: “We are delighted with the entries for the Qatar Sussex Stakes. As always, the first all-aged Group One mile race in Europe has drawn an incredibly strong entry from Britain, Ireland and France.
“The international importance of the meeting is underlined with two Japanese entries in the shape of multiple Group One winner Panthalassa and Bathrat Leon, who ran so well last year.
“We are hugely grateful to owners and trainers for supporting the race once again.”
There is a scratchings deadline for the Qatar Sussex Stakes on Tuesday, July 11, with the six-day confirmation and £70,000 supplementary entry stage following on Thursday, July 27.
Entries for the other G1 contests at the Qatar Goodwood Festival – the £500,000 Qatar Goodwood Cup and the £600,000 Qatar Nassau Stakes will be revealed on Tuesday, June 27.
Notes for Editors:
About Goodwood Racecourse
The first fixture, Season Opener comes under starters orders with two days packed full of behind- the- scenes content providing a fantastic insight into the sport of horse racing alongside fitting celebrations for the Coronation. The tempo continues with Family Raceday, where themed attractions for all the ages include free fairground rides, face-painting, a traditional carousel, and high-octane pony racing. Plus, those under 18's go free!
After ten unforgettable years of racing and DJs at our sell-out Three Friday Nights fixtures in June, it's time to mix it up in 2023. Watch this space for immersive and theatrical DJ sets as Goodwood takes Three Friday Nights to the next level, it is guaranteed to set the pulses racing.
Home of the flagship Qatar Goodwood Festival, Goodwood Racecourse's famous five-day meeting from the 1 - 5 August presents a spellbinding sporting and social occasion like no other. Live music meets sensational style with a plethora of equine superstars, all looking to be crowned on the world stage, as well as the return of the inspirational Markel Magnolia Cup
Featuring no less than 13 Group races, including the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, the Qatar Sussex Stakes, often referred to as the 'Duel on the Downs', and the cavalry charge that is the Coral Stewards' Cup, it's the place to be seen. Off the track, Tuesday's Lord Taverners Twenty20 cricket match and Friday's much anticipated L'Ormarins best-dressed competition showcase on a fabulous supporting card.
August Bank Holiday Weekend starts with a bang as the popular Friday night fireworks display brings an explosion of colour set to music before a relaxing weekend that combines live music and free summer entertainment for a wonderfully social occasion. A duo of Midweek Racing fixtures across September culminates in a fitting curtain closer for Season Finale, where seasonal entertainment features toasting marshmallows and hog roasts.
Tickets, dining, and hospitality are now on sale for the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Visit Goodwood.com or call 01243 755055 to find out more.
For editorial enquiries please contact:
Emma Chamings, Goodwood Racecourse Press Office; emma@jsccomms.co.uk
