The Essentials /The time: 29 July to 2 August The Place: Goodwood Racecourse

Nestled in the Sussex Downs, Goodwood has to be one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world. It began back in 1801 when the Duke of Richmond gathered a few pals for a private afternoon's racing. It was so successful that "Glorious Goodwood" was born. It's now a blue chip race meeting attracting top jockeys, owners, trainers and punters from all over the world. Make sure your day out is a safe bet by taking the following:

Whether your idea of studying the form is picking a favourite colour or name, you'll need a copy of the Sporting Life priced 90p, to help with your choice.

To watch your horse romp home pack a pair of binoculars like these Action Series at pounds 139.99 from Nikon, telephone 0800 230220.

King Edward VII once described a day out at Goodwood as a garden party with a bit of racing tacked on so don't forget the hamper. This one from Lakeland Plastics costs pounds l9.95. Telephone 015394 88100.

Keep the champagne on ice with these clever Rapid Ice drink chillers from Vacu Products. They'll cool down your bottle in just five minutes, cost pounds 8.99 and are available from national retailers including John Lewis, Sainsbury's, Debenham's, Tesco and Harrods.

If you're on a winning streak you might fancy investing a few hundred in your own racehorse. For pounds 400 you can buy a share in a top racehorse for two years. This scheme from Goodwood Racecourse includes jockey and trainer fees. Telephone 01243 755022 for more details.

Or maybe you'd like to have a go in the saddle. Novice riders will need a few basics, such as Reflex jodhpurs at pounds 40 from Caldene, telephone 01422 883393 and lessons from a local riding school at around pounds 8 for half an hour, pounds l2 for an hour or pounds l5 for a private half hour.