Ladies Day at Glorious Goodwood 2014.
Pic: Christopher Ison (Courtesy of Goodwood).

By Simon Jackson.

Goodwood has announced a £2,825,540 boost in prize money for their 19 fixtures this season that commences with a seven race card on Saturday, May 2.

The huge increase in stakes from £3,674,460 in 2014 to £6,500,000 for the 2015 season represents an increase of almost 77% at the picturesque racecourse set high in the Sussex Downs.

The additional funding includes over £2 million invested in a number of key races during the inaugural Qatar Goodwood Festival, along with £45,000 for the May Festival that takes place on May 21-23.

Goodwood Racecourse general manager James Crespi said: “We are delighted with the increase in prize money and thank Qatar for its generous sponsorship of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

“We are also pleased to be able to enhance the start of the season with an uplift in prize money to the May Festival.  This really is an exciting time for Goodwood and we are greatly looking forward to the season ahead.”

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.