PLAN AHEAD

Goodwood has been the place to be seen for nearly 200 years. Nineteen days racing each year will see the world's top owners, trainers and jockeys flock to this landscape of outstanding natural beauty. The July Festival meeting is one of the major evnts of the racing calander offering five days of entertainment.

Racing was introduced to Goodwood at the end of the 18th century, by the third Duke of Richmond. In 1953, 55,000 spectators watched the Tuesday of the July Meeting, a figure which not been surpassed since.

On 27 May 1988, Goodwood inaugurated its first Enterprise Evening Meeting, the first occasion, since racing became generally reliant on Horserace Betting Levy Board funding, that a race meeting has been held without Levy Board assistance. The attraction of this historic racecourse remains as strong as ever.

The `July Festival Meeting' begins on Tuesday 21 July and runs until Saturday 3 August. A seven-race programme is provided on each day of the festival with racing commencing at 2.15pm every day (with the exception of the final day's racing which starts at 2pm).

Goodwood boasts three enclosures all overlooking the course with spectacular views of Sussex Downs. Unfortunately, the Richmond enclosure is not open to the general public for the duration of the July festival.

Car parking is available on the day with reserved spaces and disabled parking also available. Parking close to the grandstand costs pounds 5 per-day.

Goodwood is off the A286 and within easy reach of London, Brighton, Southampton and Guildford. Regular Train services operate from a wide range of prominent stations. Telephone 01243 774107 for further information or call 01672 520782 for booking details.

Details of forthcoming events with information on tickets and venues should be sent to: The Sports Desk, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL. Fax: 0171 293 2894.