Goodwood aims for race upgrades and prize-money boost after Qatar deal secured

Goodwood will be pressing for further upgrades to races at its flagship Glorious festival after Qatar extended its sponsorship of the meeting until 2024 in a multi-million-pound boost to the track.

The deal cements the relationship between Goodwood and the state-backed Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, who had come together to create the biggest sponsorship deal in British racing history in 2014. It included significant added prize-money to a number of races, most notably the £1 million Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes.

However, there had been uncertainty around the sponsorship’s longevity after Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, founder of Al Shaqab Racing, revealed a five-year break clause which had the potential to stop the partnership after this year’s festival.

With an extension in place, Goodwood is focusing on trying to further boost the profile of the week, which includes upgrading races and, consequently, prize-money.

Adam Waterworth, Goodwood's managing director, said on Wednesday: "The first four years have been good for both of us. From Goodwood's point of view, the obvious upside has been the prize-money boosts that have really pushed the meeting forward. We're actually in a better position than we thought we would be at this stage.

"There won't be any changes to the meeting this year but we're hoping from 2020 there could be some tweaks. We'll be pushing for upgrades in races and if that can happen then there is increased prize-money that comes with those. I think we've shown with the Goodwood Cup what can be achieved by upgrading races and prize-money with it."

QREC and Goodwood's owner, the Duke of Richmond, completed the extension at a meeting on Tuesday and both sides pointed to the increased international recognition of the fixture as a key factor in continuing.

Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, QREC chairman, said: "The outcome of this sponsorship has benefited Qatar and Qatar's equestrian sport in particular because it promoted the name of Qatar in such international gatherings. It has also helped foster our relations and co-operation with horse organisations in the United Kingdom."

Qatari sponsorship of racing in Britain and Europe has become increasingly significant. As well as Goodwood, QREC sponsor the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, while Al Shaqab, which has cut back on its racing footprint in Britain but is expected to be well represented at Glorious Goodwood, backs the Lockinge Stakes fixture at Newbury.

Additionally, Sheikh Fahad and his brothers sponsor the British Champions Series, Champions Day and a number of other races through their investment vehicle Qipco.

Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards