Buckley walked the course on Tuesday and was delighted by the way it was shaping up ahead of the five-day festival.

He said: "It is in excellent order with a lovely covering of grass. It has recovered well after our earlier meetings this season and I am officially calling the going today good in the straight and good to firm on the loops.

"We have been selectively watering over the past two weeks, keeping moisture in the ground, as is our policy at Goodwood.

"Our weather forecast expert is telling me we may have rain tomorrow as the weather breaks down slightly.

"The weather will then settle down again as high pressure comes into our area and it should be dry and sunny through race week.

"We will water as necessary throughout the week to maintain the present condition of the ground."

Buckley will also take measures to ensure there is fresh ground throughout the meeting.

He said: "The rail in the last six furlongs of the mile course has been moved out approximately six yards, from the six-furlong marker on the lower bend to the winning post, adding approximately 16 yards to the distance of the races run on that course.

"The top bend has been dolled out approximately two- and-a-half yards right the way round the bend and the rail will be moved throughout the week, providing fresh ground on a daily basis on different parts of the course.

"As always, we are really excited about the start of Glorious Goodwood. It will be a fabulous week of great racing and we are striving to produce the perfect racing surface."