Goodwood (W.Sussex)

“For three centuries, my family has welcomed friends and guests to Goodwood to share in our love of sport. We hope you will enjoy the many exceptional experiences you will find here.” So says the Duke of Richmond and Gordon on the Goodwood website. Famed for its horse racing (Race Horse Death Watch lists a number of fatalities at the ‘world’s most beautiful racecourse’), Goodwood has long ties with fox hunting. The Charlton Hunt was “the reason the first Duke of Richmond bought Goodwood House so that he could join in the chase. It is also one of the earliest recorded foxhunts in the world and its fame drew the elite of society, including the Dukes of Monmouth, St Albans and Richmond and the dashing illegitimate sons of King Charles II.” Some claim to fame that..The hunt was disbanded in 1895 but the estate still uses ‘The Kennels’ as its showpiece for hosting weddings etc, and “the spirit of the Charlton Hunt still survives as a dining club under the patronage of the Duke of Richmond, Viscount Cowdray and Lord Egremont. The tradition of the blue and gold livery continues”. For £276 Goodwood will give punters a package which memorialises a long history of killing wildlife: “The exclusive Charlton Hunt offers an exceptional raceday experience with far-reaching views and a private balcony overlooking the Horse Walk.”