Goodwood Racecourse and 1/ST have partnered to create easier access for horses to race in both North America and the UK.
Under the agreement, horses that win at the Pegasus World Cup meeting at Gulfstream Park on 25 January and the Qatar Goodwood Festival will earn automatic entry to key races.
The winner of the 2025 Pegasus World Cup Turf will gain entry to the 2025 Qatar Sussex Stakes, while the winner of the 2025 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf will automatically enter the 2025 Qatar Nassau Stakes.
In addition, the winner of this year’s £1m Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes will automatically qualify for the Pegasus World Cup Turf in 2026, while the winner of the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes will secure a spot in the Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf in 2026.
Edward Arkell, Director of Racing at Goodwood Racecourse, commented: “We are thrilled to announce this fantastic new initiative, and I would like to thank 1/ST for their enthusiasm and support. By pairing two of our most prestigious races with a pair of turf races at the Pegasus World Cup meeting, we are confident that we have unlocked a well-scheduled gateway.
“This partnership also highlights the importance of collaborating with the best horseracing in the World and allows us the opportunity to showcase the obvious benefits of working alongside the North American horseracing circuit.”
Through this new partnership, horses will have an easy route to compete in both North America and the UK. This aims to encourage top-tier racehorses to travel, increase international participation at both events, strengthen elite fields for global audiences and foster deeper fan engagement.
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, said: “Thanks again to our friends at Goodwood Racecourse as our partnership enters its second year.
“We can’t wait to see how our Pegasus World Cup Turf winners fare on the other side of the pond and look forward to welcoming the victors of the Qatar Sussex Stakes and Qatar Nassau Stakes back to Gulfstream Park in late January 2026 for one of the most lucrative racedays on the East Coast.
“These reciprocal pathways mark the latest strides in 1/ST’s bid to broaden the appeal and international participation in the world’s major races. We’ve already seen such incentives reap immediate rewards when Crimson Advocate won at Royal Ascot in 2023, having punched her automatic spot via our Royal Palm juvenile series at Gulfstream Park. Now, Miami can hopefully work its magic again with the Qatar Goodwood Festival!”
This partnership mirrors a deal 1/ST made with Arena Racing Company last year, where winners from select races at Doncaster Racecourse gained entry to 1/ST’s US events.