Goodwood Racecourse have announced an increase to their prize money for 2013

Goodwood Racecourse have announced a 12% increase to their prize money fund for the 2013 season taking the total being offered to £3,600,000.

"We are currently working with the Horseman's Group and hope to progress Prize Money Agreements with them - we have always seen investment in prize money as crucial and will continue to invest whatever we can in our racing." This winter has been difficult for most racecourses and Goodwood has not escaped, with freezing temperatures, snow and considerable rain limiting the growth of the turf. Seamus Buckley, Clerk of the Course commented, "It has been a terrible six months, with all the rain in the autumn and then a very cold winter with strong easterly winds. There was, therefore, little growth in the grass but things are improving every day and we are finally beginning to see the course dry out, although we had 27mm of rain last week! "It has been fertilised and I am confident that the course will be in great shape come May 4th. I am very excited about the season ahead.''