In an exciting development, 1/ST and Goodwood Racecourse unveiled a groundbreaking partnership to strengthen international collaboration between North America and the UK. The initiative establishes automatic entry pathways between major racing events, creating unparalleled opportunities for horses and their connections to compete on an international stage.

1/ST and Goodwood Racecourse Announce Strategic Partnership Enhancing Global Racing Connectivity

A New Era of Cross-Continental Racing: Partnership Details

Under this new arrangement, the winners of the 2025 Pegasus World Cup Turf and Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf will receive automatic entry into two of Goodwood’s most prestigious races: the Qatar Sussex Stakes and the Qatar Nassau Stakes, respectively. Similarly, victors of the Qatar Sussex Stakes and Qatar Nassau Stakes will gain guaranteed spots in their corresponding Pegasus World Cup races in 2026.

This reciprocal framework represents a significant advancement in fostering global participation and aims to elevate the quality of competition at both venues. With this seamless entry mechanism, owners and trainers have a unique opportunity to showcase their horses on two of the world’s most revered racing platforms.

The Pegasus World Cup: A Pinnacle of North American Racing

Overview of the Pegasus World Cup Series

The Pegasus World Cup, hosted annually at Gulfstream Park in Florida, has become one of the most anticipated events on the North American racing calendar. Known for its unmatched prestige and lucrative purses, this event attracts the finest turf talent from across the globe.

The Pegasus World Cup Turf is celebrated for its challenging course, which tests the stamina and agility of the world’s best turf runners. Meanwhile, the Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf offers an exclusive stage for elite female turf specialists to shine.

By linking these iconic races to Goodwood’s marquee events, the partnership introduces a dynamic pathway for winners to make their mark internationally.

The Qatar Goodwood Festival: A Highlight of UK Racing

A Legacy of Excellence at Goodwood Racecourse

Held annually at the stunning Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, affectionately known as “Glorious Goodwood,” is a staple of the British racing calendar. Renowned for its elegant atmosphere and high-caliber competition, the event consistently attracts top talent from the UK, Europe, and beyond.

The Qatar Sussex Stakes, a premier mile race, is synonymous with thrilling finishes and intense rivalries, while the Qatar Nassau Stakes showcases the brilliance of middle-distance fillies and mares. These races epitomize the quality and tradition of British flat racing.

With the new partnership in place, Goodwood’s races are poised to gain even greater international recognition, drawing top contenders from North America and enhancing the festival’s prestige.

Enhancing International Participation and Competition

The primary goal of this partnership is to encourage greater global participation, enabling horses, trainers, and owners to compete across different continents seamlessly. The initiative not only fosters cultural exchange but also raises the bar for turf racing excellence.

Goodwood Racecourse’s Director of Racing, Edward Arkell, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This initiative unlocks a well-scheduled gateway, ensuring that the best horses from both sides of the Atlantic can compete in each other’s flagship events.”

1/ST President Aidan Butler echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the potential for Pegasus World Cup winners to test their mettle on UK turf and for Goodwood champions to experience the grandeur of Gulfstream Park.

Implications for Owners, Trainers, and Fans

Opportunities for Owners and Trainers

For owners and trainers, this agreement represents a strategic advantage. The automatic entry ensures that horses performing at the highest level can seamlessly transition between elite racing circuits, eliminating logistical hurdles and fostering international exposure.

A Thrill for Racing Fans

Fans, too, stand to benefit immensely from this collaboration. The introduction of cross-continental competition ensures world-class fields and heightened anticipation for these races, making for an even more exhilarating viewing experience.

A Vision for the Future of Global Racing

This partnership signals a broader trend in the globalization of horse racing, where collaborations between major racing organizations are set to reshape the landscape of the sport. The alliance between 1/ST and Goodwood Racecourse serves as a model for future agreements, promoting mutual growth and strengthening the bonds within the global racing community.

Conclusion: The Collaboration

The collaboration between 1/ST and Goodwood Racecourse represents a landmark step in international horse racing. By creating automatic entry pathways between the Pegasus World Cup Series and the Qatar Goodwood Festival, this partnership fosters greater participation, enhances competition quality, and enriches the sport for participants and fans alike.

With anticipation building for the 2025 and 2026 racing seasons, the world eagerly awaits to see how this innovative initiative will unfold, setting a new standard for global collaboration in horse racing.

FAQs About 1/ST and Goodwood Racecourse Partnership

1. What is the partnership between 1/ST and Goodwood Racecourse?

The partnership is a strategic collaboration that creates automatic entry pathways between major horse racing events in North America and the UK. Winners of specific races at the Pegasus World Cup and the Qatar Goodwood Festival will receive reciprocal automatic entries into each other’s flagship events.

2. Which races are included in this partnership?

• Pegasus World Cup Turf winners gain automatic entry to the Qatar Sussex Stakes.
• Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf winners receive entry into the Qatar Nassau Stakes.
• Similarly, winners of the Qatar Sussex Stakes and Qatar Nassau Stakes will earn automatic spots in their corresponding Pegasus World Cup races.

3. What is the primary goal of this collaboration?

The primary goal is to encourage greater international participation, enhance the quality of competition, and promote cultural exchange between North America and the UK within the horse racing community.

4. How does this benefit horse owners and trainers?

The automatic entry system allows owners and trainers of top-performing horses to compete in premier international races without facing logistical or qualifying hurdles. This creates more opportunities for global recognition and exposure.

5. What are the benefits for racing fans?

Racing fans can enjoy more exciting events featuring world-class competitors from different continents, adding to the thrill and spectacle of the races.

6. Why are the Pegasus World Cup races significant?

The Pegasus World Cup Turf and Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf are among the most prestigious turf races in North America, offering significant prize money and attracting top global talent.

7. Why are the Qatar Sussex Stakes and Qatar Nassau Stakes important?

These races are highlights of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, known for their high stakes and elite competition. They represent the best of British flat racing and attract top-tier participants from the UK and beyond.

8. When will this partnership take effect?

The partnership will begin with the 2025 Pegasus World Cup races and the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival races.

9. What is the significance of this partnership for global horse racing?

This collaboration is a step forward in the globalization of horse racing, setting a precedent for future partnerships. It strengthens ties between racing organizations and enhances the sport’s appeal on a global scale.

10. How does this partnership improve the racing calendar?

By aligning these prestigious races across two continents, the agreement creates a well-scheduled pathway that allows participants to compete in both North American and UK racing circuits without overlaps or conflicts.

11. How can this partnership impact the future of horse racing?

This collaboration could inspire more cross-continental partnerships, fostering global competition and unity in the horse racing industry while setting a new benchmark for international collaboration.