Racing returns to West Sussex venue

Racing returned to Goodwood in fine style as back-to-back meetings drew good-sized crowds to the start of the flat season on the South Downs.

Fixtures were held last Friday and Saturday – each featuring a listed race – to begin a programme of 19 meetings that will keep Goodwood race-goers occupied between now and October.

There was a comfortingly familiar look to the result of the track’s first race of 2022, the British Stallion Studs EBF Conditions Stakes, on Friday.

It was won by Dawn of Liberation (9/1) for jockey Pat Dobbs and trainer Richard Hannon, who have each become part of the fixtures and fittings at the racecourse in recent years.

Friday’s top contest was the listed British Stallion Studs EBF Daisy Warwick Fillies’ Stakes, won by 4/1 chance Bartzella, ridden by Tom Marquand for William Haggas.

Another trainer with plenty to celebrate at the opener was Charlie Hills, who saw Kieran Shoemark win at 13/2 on Shobiz in the William Hill Play Responsibly Handicap and at 9/2 on Saratoga Gold in the ‘Goodwoof ’ 28th & 29th May Handicap.

Saturday’s well-attended fixture brought another win for Haggas when Stevie Donohoe rode Frantanck to a 2/1 success in the In Memory Of Julia Tanswell Maiden Stakes.

Day two’s feature, the William Hill Conqueror Fillies’ Stakes, went to 12/1 starter Mrs Fitzherbert, ridden by George Rooke for trainer Hughie Morrison.

Goodwood’s season continues with fixtures on May 20 and 21.

For all the latest sports news from across West Sussex, visit www. sussexworld.co.uk

nPic: Malcolm Wells