Glorious Goodwood: The best pictures from a memorable week on the Sussex Downs despite the lack of punters

THERE were no punters, but the action on course still delivered.

From Battaash’s new course record, to Marcus Tregoning’s emotional Sussex Stakes glory. We take you through the highs and lows with the best pictures of the week.

Owners only – a pleasant space marked out for owners past the finishing line, many reportedly enjoyed the experience

The opening day of Goodwood got the ball rolling in style with six-year-old Stradivarius putting the young guns in their place.

Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old Derby winner Santiago – getting over a stone at the weights – had been tipped by many to get one over the staying king. Stradivarius is still laughing.

Despite some traffic problems, Stradivarius’s turn of foot once again got him out of trouble

The dream team – John Gosden and Frankie Dettori, who signifies a record fourth Goodwood Cup for the horse

Owner Bjorn Nielsen with the cup – he indicated afterwards his star could be Arc-bound for a mouthwatering clash with Enable

On Wednesday the feature Sussex Stakes was billed as the race of the season and it was like the horses could hear the hype.

Mohaather came out on top with an electric turn of pace, getting up from Circus Maximus and Siskin.

Kameko had plenty of problems in behind and Oisin Murphy was quick to take the blame. It really had everything, but no one can knock the winner and trainer Marcus Tregoning deserved the praise.

Another one to take from Wednesday – Irish raider Steel Bull landed a monster gamble in the Molecomb as punters flew in from 5-1 all the way into 2-1

Mohaather had to round the whole field after again looking like he was going to suffer all sorts of bad luck – Kameko was stuck on the rail but nothing opened

Empty grandstands but over a million tuned in on the box to witness a thrilling Group 1 on the Downs

Name a nicer man in racing? Tregoning deserved his day in the Sussex sun and his star has options at Ascot and possibly a tilt at the Breeders’ Cup

Thursday was a day for the Coolmore boys – young and old.

A second Group 1 success for 22-year-old Donnacha O’Brien with Fancy Blue as she battled to a hard-fought Nassau Stakes.

While talking horse Mogul got his head in front in what was billed as a mini-Derby in the Gordon Stakes.

A real battle – Fancy Blue just did enough to see off fellow Irish raider One Voice under Tom Marquand, another jockey who had a week to remember

What would Glorious Goodwood be without a Johnston-trained winner? The Middleham powerhouse banged in their usual handicap successes

Friday was all about Battaash and he was another equine star that could seemingly read the script.

Much of the talk centred around whether Charlie Hills’ speedball would break his own track record. With the rattling ground in his favour he smashed it to smithereens.

The record stood at 56.20 seconds. It’s now 55.62. And he could be back for a fifth go at ‘his’ race next season.

Battaash and Bob – racing’s real power couple

Catch me if you can – he hardly broke sweat under Jim Crowley

Fantastic number four – it’s a good thing these jockeys can count

There was bad news on Friday too, though.

The planned pilot event to invite 5000 members to the course for the following day’s racing was scrapped last minute by the government.

It meant empty benches, more costs to Goodwood and a devastated racecourse.

Goodwood chief Adam Waterworth took the news on the chin and admitted it may not be until 2021 when the sport is anywhere near back to normal

What could have been – rows and rows of empty benches

There was reason to cheer for some. The Middleham Park Racing syndicate were all smiles after Ventura Diamond’s win in the lucky last on Friday evening.

You can only smile – it’s not often the so-called ‘little men’ get to shine on the big stage, so why not enjoy it!

Saturday was Stewards’ Cup day and no one could knock the winner Summerghand, winning off top weight.

Trainer David O’Meara enjoyed two big wins on the week and headed back to Yorkshire a happy man. Richer, too.

Summerghand just noses ahead of Kimifive on the far side – a real cavalry charge

Thumbs up for the winners – Danny Tudhope gave him a cracker from the back