Racing and fireworks get Goodwood’s holiday weekend off to cracking start

Liberalist, ridden by Callum Shepherd, wins the William Hill Pick Your Places Fillies' Handicap | Picture: Clive Bennett
Liberalist, ridden by Callum Shepherd, wins the William Hill Pick Your Places Fillies' Handicap | Picture: Clive Bennett

The Chichester Observer Fillies’ Handicap was won by the 10// favourite Queen Emma, ridden by Adam Farragher for William Haggas, while Callum Shepherd rode a double – winning on two 7/2 winners, Zain Nights and Liberalist, in two William Hill-sponsored contests.

The six-race card was followed by fireworks, while cicrus entertainers and musicians entertained crowds between races.

It was the start of a weekend festival that has become one of the highlights of the Goodwood racing calendar, with Saturday’s top-class racecard containing the Celebration Mile and the Prestige Stakes, and Sunday’s racing featuring the William Hill Selling Stakes.

Steve Bone, centre, and photographer Clive Bennett present the Chichester Observer Fillies' Handicap trophy to one of the owners of winner Queen Emma | Picture: Charlie Owen
Steve Bone, centre, and photographer Clive Bennett present the Chichester Observer Fillies' Handicap trophy to one of the owners of winner Queen Emma | Picture: Charlie Owen

Other Friday winners were Alcazan, Heartfullofstars and Dream By Day.

We’ll have further reports, pictures and video from Goodwood as the weekend continues.