GOODWOOD'S BIG EVENTS May: May meeting July/Aug: Glorious Goodwood Racing calendar The major courses

Situated in Sussex, Goodwood is arguably the most picturesque racecourse in the UK.

Perched on the Sussex Downs, the highlight of the track's season is Glorious Goodwood, a five-day racing festival that has become a summer tradition.

Racing at Goodwood was established by the third Duke of Richmond in 1802 and celebrated its bicentenary in 2002.

The first action of the year comes with the May meeting, which features the Predominate Stakes and the Lupe Stakes, trials for the Derby and the Oaks respectively.

But it is the end of July that Goodwood really comes alive.

Coming a month after Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood is more Panama hat than top hat but its more relaxed atmosphere belies some quality Flat action.

That includes two Group One races - the Sussex Stakes and the Nassau Stakes - while the Stewards' Cup, held on the fifth and final day, is a cavalry charge of a sprint that is a popular betting race.

Goodwood is a right-handed course which has a straight section of six furlongs with a loop attached by two bends for longer races.

This odd structure can make some races confusing and jockeys have been known to take the wrong path.

The track is an undulating one with a long run-in of almost five furlongs.