Tom Marquand’s need for speed was evident while watching Quickthorn's dominant display when winning the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup at the Qatar Goodwood Festival this year. Not only does Marquand enjoy riding race horses at top speed, he is also a keen Motorsport enthusiast. At Goodwood Racecourses' season finale fixture, Marquand was celebrated as leading jockey for the season. On the day he recorded another victory at the Sussex track and also had time to enjoy the car display around the racecourse in between his races on the day.
Speaking on the day Marquand said: “It is probably one of the most attractive things about Goodwood as a place is having the mixture of Motorsport with the cars, the horses, and everything comes together and creates a nice atmosphere. It is one of the reasons it’s my favourite track in the world!
“It’s been a great year here, it probably goes without saying that Quickthorn was the highlight. It was pretty special and surreal to pull off a Group 1 in that manor and it was his crowning glory moment for the horse as he has gone big a few times but not quite got that Group 1. It was a special day and I think Goodwood on days like that cannot be beaten.
“I think I’d be as guilty as enjoying cars as much as the horses. I grew up with my dad who is a petrol head so I’ve always had half an eye on cars. Goodwood is incredible - as a jockey we are very lucky to be invited down to one of the track days during the Qatar Goodwood Festival and having a couple of mornings burning around the track gets your eye in for the afternoons racing. It is fantastic and one of the many reasons Goodwood is the best spot."
Marquand reflecting on being leading jockey at Goodwood Racecourse for the season added: “It’s a nice way to end the season at Goodwood and I’m looking forward to coming back next year and trying to find a few more winners!"
