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| Staff Writer |
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In a groundbreaking alliance, 1/ST and Goodwood Racecourse have forged a partnership linking major races on both sides of the Atlantic. The initiative, unveiled January 20, creates automatic entry pathways between premier events at Gulfstream Park and the Goodwood Festival.
Winners of the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Turf will gain direct entry to the Gr.1 Sussex Stakes, while the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf victors earn spots in the Gr.1 Nassau Stakes. The reciprocal arrangement includes substantial travel allowances of US$30,761 for non-European trained horses, alongside complimentary entry fees and luxury accommodation packages.
The US$1.2M Sussex Stakes winners will secure automatic berths in the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Turf, with Nassau Stakes champions qualifying for the Filly and Mare Turf division. Both receive US$25,000 travel stipends and VIP hospitality benefits.
Aidan Butler, president of 1/ST, highlighted previous international success: "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!"
The partnership aims to strengthen elite international fields and enhance global audience engagement. Edward Arkell, Goodwood's director of racing, expressed enthusiasm: "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."
The collaboration marks a significant step in creating accessible pathways for top-tier horses to compete across continents, fostering deeper international participation at both prestigious fixtures.