Goodwood Signs Biggest Sponsorship In British Racing

Goodwood Racecourse has announced a new ten-year partnership with Qatar, which becomes the single biggest sponsorship deal ever done ‘for the benefit of British racing’.

Commencing in 2015, the Qatar Goodwood Festival partnership results in over £2 million being invested into prize money for eight key races during the week, as well as a commitment to increase this year-on-year.

Total prize money on offer for the event now totals £4.5million.

The Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes, scheduled for Wednesday 29th July, has a total prize fund of £1 million – making it one of the most valuable mile races in the world – with the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes, the feature race on the Saturday, now worth £600,000.

Meanwhile, each Group 2 feature race – The Qatar Lennox Stakes (Tuesday), The Qatar Goodwood Cup (Thursday) and The Qatar King George Stakes (Friday) – are now worth £300,000.

In addition, Qatar has guaranteed that if any current Group 2 race achieves Group 1 status, the prize money will rise to at least £500,000.

Lord March, owner of Goodwood, said of the new deal: ‘I am delighted that Qatar have decided to play a significant part in Goodwood’s position as one of the finest racing experiences in the world. Goodwood has, for more than 200 years, been about the best racing in the most English of settings, accessible to everyone. Our partnership with Qatar will make an enormous contribution to horseracing in the UK.’

‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank QIPCO for their continued support through our key races in the QIPCO British Champion series. This remains important to me and to the success of racing at Goodwood.’

Mr Hamad Al Attiyah, president of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, added: ‘Goodwood is already one of the most iconic sporting festivals of the British summer season and we are delighted to be the title sponsor over the five days.’

‘The sponsorship demonstrates Qatar’s further commitment to British racing and, with such huge prize money on offer, we hope it will help to attract international runners from all over the world as well as continuing to see the best in Britain, France and Ireland.’