Sports Listings: Plan Ahead: Goodwood

SET amid undulating countryside on the Sussex Downs overlooking Chichester harbour, Goodwood lives up to its reputation as one of the loveliest racecourses in the world. At the end of the month Glorious Goodwood, as the popular July meeting has come to be known, offers the racegoer a five-day festival.

There has been horseracing at Goodwood since 1801 when the third Duke of Richmond laid out a course on his estate to accommodate officers of the Sussex Militia, of which he was Colonel-in-Chief. In 1814, the fourth Duke moved the May meeting to July, which proved an immediate success.

Glorious Goodwood runs eight Pattern races and the Sussex Stakes, on the Wednesday, is the highlight of the programme. First run in 1841, the Group One race for three-year-olds and up over a mile is prominent for its quality of entries.

The Goodwood Cup on the Thursday, a Group Three race at two miles four furlongs, is a demanding test of stamina. The Nassau Stakes Group Two race on the Saturday has attracted a smaller field than last year, but this year has its best entry in terms of quality. The Stewards' Cup, also on Saturday, is a sprint handicap with a large field, providing the cavalry charge over its six furlongs.

Goodwood Festival, 26-30 July.

Goodwood Racecourse, Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0PX (Tel: 0243-774107. Racedays only: 0243- 774838). Meeting details, going reports and weather prospects outside office hours: 0898-500320.

Admission: Richmond Enclosure: members and guests only (new membership pounds 150; renewal pounds 120). Gordon Enclosure: pounds 16 (Party rate - 20 or more - pounds 14). Public Enclosure: pounds 5 (Party rate pounds 4.50). Trundle Hill: free. Accompanied children under-17 free in all enclosures except the Richmond. Parking: free and pounds 5.

Restaurant reservations: Payne and Gunter caterers (0243-775350).

By road: The racecourse is seven miles north-east of Chichester, west Sussex, 60 miles from London, 30 from Southampton and 30 from Brighton. From A3, take A286 at Milford, near Godalming. Signposted on outskirts of Goodwood. By train: London Victoria (071-928 5100) to Chichester or coastal service east to Brighton and west to Portsmouth. A coach service is provided to the course. Helicopter service: South Coast Helicopters, Goodwood Airfield (0243-779222). Taxis: Dunnaway Taxis (0243-782403); Central Taxis (0243-789432).