Overview

Fabulous experience, something we highly recommend you trying, it’s ideal for a day out for disabled people, and you do not need to gamble at all, just being there is so much fun. Everyone of the staff are so friendly and helpful, there’s so much to see and do, the day flies past, well worth going along. Let’s try to show you why we enjoyed the day so much. First of all the drive to the Goodwood estate was so very pleasant, we had set our sat NAV to PO18 0LU. for EARTHAM Woods, a very nice area of mixed woodland plants and trees, with scenic countryside views soon opening up as we parked up in the car park for the woods. We then set sat NAV to. PO18 0EY. for Singleton as this route would take us around the Goodwood estate. Then finally, sat NAV. PO18 0PS. for Goodwood race course. We then followed signposts for car park number 5 (photo 1) which has parking on the grass, but hardcore paths leading to the main entrance for the RICHMOND ENCLOSURE (photo 2) Just to mention, that with the Richmond enclosure tickets, a dress code does apply, and gentlemen are asked to wear jackets, and many may wear the Panama hat, while ladies are welcomed to dress to impress. The gates will open at 11.30 where you can join the other excited race goers (photo 3) and these paths will take you past the parade ground which will be packed later on as yourself and other people wish to see the horses close up as they parade around the grounds (photo 4) then an easy walk as you head up towards the RICHMOND ENCLOSURE which offers views over the parade ground (photo 5) Walking through the stands we saw the Richmond enclosure open up for us (photo 6) which offers fantastic views over the race course (photo 7) and on the opposite side of the stands, we had access to the parade grounds when the winners are brought in (photo 8). At this point, we want to say a special thank you to the steward Simon (photo 9, with myself ) who so kindly gave us a tour around the whole stadium, and showed us everything that would allow us to enjoy our day to the full, the most wonderful day that lay ahead for us. In the centre of the Richmond stand we were taken to the lift, that you can use to get you up to the first floor, where there are refreshment areas, seating, and outside views over the winning post (photo 10), the best place possible to be. There are plenty of seats to help you relax and watch the upcoming race (photo 11) and over to your left you will see the horses come out onto the race course and trot up past you to the starting gates, where you can see the horses you fancy for each race. Remember, you do not have to bet any money, but you can do as we did, just pick two horses each, and see how they do on each race, this is just as much fun to do, without placing any money, and you can still feel the excitement as all others do, and it was great to see them trot passed us. From up there in the stand, you have an excellent view over the winning post (photo 12) and see them gallop on past the bend (photo 13) before returning to go along towards the parade ground (photo 14) where you can then see them from the stand, or go down to the parade ring for close up views of the winners (photo 15). Our final photo shows the three enclosures, the large and main RICHMOND ENCLOSURE, we highly recommend you pay that little extra to gain the full benefit of your experience. The centre enclosure is the GORDON ENCLOSURE, a lot more relaxed as regards dress code, although you still need to dress nicely, with nice views of the races as well, the winning post being just slightly over to the left, with a large screen on the course so you can see the winners race past. The far enclosure is the LENNOX stand, ideal for families, more relaxed with dress code as long as you are tidy, and it’s there you are welcomed to bring along your picnic boxes and sit on the grass areas, and let your youngsters let off steam. All three enclosures have the raised up disabled platforms that sit right on the race track fencing, giving you a great view of what’s happening. This is an experience of a life time, something we are so glad we tried, and hope that if you fancy giving it a try as well, we feel you will not be disappointed with your day. OUR FINAL THOUGHTS If you like watching horse racing on the Tv, then going to a track is even more interesting. Just seeing the horses in real life was a delight, just watching what happens behind the scene was interesting, how the stalls are moved into position, seeing the horses leaving the stalls and slowly arriving towards you which sets the crowd alight, it’s just a very nice experience, we really do recommend you trying it one day. WE HAVE OFFERED REVIEWS for other tracks as well, so that you can perhaps find one nearer, but Goodwood is the best so far. EPSUM DOWNS, NEWBURY, FONTWELL, and of course GOODWOOD.

Transport & Parking

The drive through the Goodwood estate is lovely, woodland scenes, countryside views, and arriving at the stadium is so exciting. For this the RICHMOND ENCLOSURE, the car park is number 5, and disabled parking is excellent, especially if you get to the car park early, the gates open at 11.30, and attendants will direct you to the parking spot.

Access

The car park for disabled is so handy, just follow signs for car park number 5, very near to the entrance, and an interesting walk past the parade ground and up to the Stand, with a lift available to get you up to the first floor for outstanding views over the course. There are seating areas available, refreshment points, toilet facilities, and close up views of the horses at the parade ground, a smashing day out.

Toilets

Basic, situated at the far corner of the stand, but clean and tidy.

Staff

Very nice, everyone was so helpful and polite, all wanting to make sure you enjoy your day out. We were personally shown around the whole stadium facilities by a very kind and helpful gentleman, Simon, who went out of his way to help us see everything available to make this one of the best days out we have had over the years, and was so helpful to us to put this review over in such a way that we hope will encourage you one day to give this wonderful experience a try, we do so hope you will, it’s an ideal trip for a disabled person.

Photos