Goodwood Stakes

The Goodwood Stakes (Handicap) is the second oldest race still staged at the Glorious Goodwood Festival having first been run in 1823 in its current format. However, some might claim that it is the oldest race, since a Goodwood Stakes over 2 miles was staged at the 1811 meeting, a year before the inaugural running of the present day Goodwood Cup, while others would assert that a Goodwood Silver Cup was first held in 1808. It is a handicap for 3-year-olds and above over 2miles 5 furlongs, although it has fluctuated between 2 miles 5 furlongs and 2 miles throughout its history, and is currently contested over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 134 yards, making it a wonderful spectacle for the crowd, as it starts in front of the stands and is the longest presently run at the Festival.
Early history:-The inaugural running of the Goodwood Stakes was on Tuesday 12th August 1823 when the Duke of Richmond's Dandizette defeated Lord Egremont's Young Gohanna colt, although on the same card the Old Goodwood Club Stakes saw Lord Egremont’s Elfrid beat Mr C Day's Victorine.
Goodwood Stakes 1983 Handicap 2 miles 3 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 MORGANS CHOICE Willie Carson C J Hill 6-8st 6lbs Mr C Hill 7/2 fav
2 CHEKA Pat Eddery Ian Balding Mr Paul Mellon 10/1
3 KINGS COLLEGE BOY John Reid Nick Nigors Mr H Thomson 25/1
4 LUCKY IVOR Joe Mercer John Dunlop Mr O Phipps 10/1
5 FLYING OFFICER Steve Cauthen Martin Pipe Mr A Sheldrake 13/2
6 POPSIS JOY Lester Piggott M Haynes Mr V Lawson 13/2
7 HI EASTER J McLean Henry Candy Mrs A Port 8/1
8 BEAN BOY M Fry Denys Smith Mrs E Dunn 14/1
9 THE IRISH RHINE Bryn Crossley D Wilson Mr D Wilson 14/1
10 ATLANTIC TRAVELLER Richard Fox Naughton Mr J Woolstenholme 20/1
11 APPEAL TO ME Gay Kelleway Paul Kelleway Mr G Kaye 25/1
This race took place on Wednesday 27th July 1983 over 2 miles 3 furlongs. It was valued at £6,201 (equivalent to £16,900 in 2021) Over round 111%