The highly anticipated Glorious Goodwood festival begins today, Monday 27th July 2026, promising a week of thrilling flat racing from the iconic Sussex course. Horse racing enthusiasts and casual observers alike will be following the action closely, with several high-profile races scheduled for the opening day.
Among the day's highlights is the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap (Class 2) at 13:50. Our racing correspondent, Jonathan Doidge, has picked Al Aali, trained by George Scott, as a strong contender. The gelding recently secured an impressive win at Newmarket, showing significant improvement after a substantial drop in the handicap. With jockey William Buick aboard for the first time and a favourable draw, Al Aali is expected to defy a 5lb rise in weight and deliver another strong performance. Other horses with potential claims in this competitive race include Noble Horizon, Yabher, and Diego El Queso.
Later in the afternoon, the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) at 15:35 presents a clash of top-class staying horses. Scandinavia, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, is tipped for victory. This four-year-old, who won this race last year, recently finished a close second to Trawlerman in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, demonstrating his elite capabilities. Trawlerman, an eight-year-old stalwart, remains a formidable opponent, having proven his enduring class at the highest level. Charlie Johnston’s Lazy Griff, a former Derby runner-up, adds an intriguing element as a newcomer to this staying sphere.
The Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (Class 2) at 16:10 is identified as a particularly challenging race to predict, given the abundance of previous Goodwood form and various pace dynamics. Despite the complexity, Doidge has selected Rapper's Delight, one of five entries from trainer Richard Spencer's yard. Rapper's Delight showed strong form in his last outing at Newmarket, narrowly missing out on a win, and is expected to perform well again.
The Glorious Goodwood festival is a significant event in the British sporting calendar, drawing thousands of spectators and generating considerable interest in the racing world. The opening day sets the tone for the week, with key performances often indicating future form and potential champions. Punters will be carefully considering the form, jockey bookings, and track conditions as they place their bets throughout the day.