The Sussex Stakes, seventh oldest race at the Glorious Goodwood meeting, is a Group 1 race for 3-year-olds and above over a mile and was first staged in 1841, although at that time it was held over 6 furlongs. It had a chequered early history, with many of the original races being walkovers, but in 1878 it became a 3-year-old race over a mile and became the most esteemed race at the meeting. Its conditions changed again in 1960 when 4-year-olds were allowed entry, while in 1975 it was extended still further to include any horse aged 3 and above. It is traditionally contested on the second day of the 5-day meeting.
Early history:-The inaugural running of the Sussex Stakes was on Thursday 29th July 1841 when Mr Treen’s 2-year-old brown colt Barrier beat the Palladium and Darling.