Top female jockey Hollie Doyle and clerk of the course Ed Arkell have hard acts to follow as Goodwood prepares for its new flat racing season.

Doyle has succeeded 2016 champion jockey Jim Crowley as the Sussex track's 2018 ambassador.

Arkell, meanwhile, has taken over from Seamus Buckley, who retired last season after 23 years as clerk of the course.

Doyle, based with the powerful Richard Hannon yard, went from strength to strength in 2017 with 59 winners and over £500,000 in prize money, including Listed winner Billesdon Bess.

She has broken through the 100 career winners mark already in 2018 and will be riding at Goodwood's late August meeting in the £150,000 Silk Series for female jockeys staged across 13 British racecourses, which showcases talent and supports Cancer Research UK.

Doyle said: "I'm unbelievably excited to be taking up this role with Goodwood. It's one of the most iconic and beautiful courses in the country and is a favourite of mine. The Qatar Goodwood festival is an obvious stand-out of the calendar – but racing here is great throughout the year and I can't wait to get down there."

For Arkell, the challenge begins on Saturday May 5 with Goodwood's first meeting of the season.

He was formerly southern regional clerk of the course for the Arena Racing Company, responsible for five tracks including nearby Fontwell over the jumps. Arkell assisted Buckley prior to his retirement.

The May 5 fixture features two valuable Listed contests, the Daisy Warwick Stakes and the Conqueror Stakes for fillies and mares.

Punters will benefit from a major investment in facilities during the winter.

The interior of the March Grandstand has been redeveloped with a new betting area and cafe.

'The Lookout', a new hospitality space, has views overlooking the parade ring and across to the Solent.

More than £2 million has also been spent on a new champgane bar in the Richmond Enclosure, which will open later in the summer.

* Tickets for the May 5 meeting, priced from £12 for advanced bookings and free for under-18s in all enclosures can be booked via Goodwood.com or by calling 01243 216610.