New Goodwood managing director Adam Waterworth has insisted: “We’re not just all about Glorious.”

Waterworth is ready to replace Rod Fabricius after the final meeting of the year last Sunday.

He has spent the last six months learning the ropes from Fabricius who is stepping down in December after 28 years.

Waterworth said: “The last six months have confirmed it is the dream job for me. There were no surprises and I can’t wait.

“It is a fantastic opportunity and such a well-run racecourse with a professional set-up but there are things we can get our teeth into.

“There’s the question of great meetings and races outside Glorious that don’t get the recognition they ought to.

“Showing we are more than just about Glorious Goodwood is the most exciting element of what I want to achieve.

“Glorious will always be the biggest event we run but what I need to do over the next few years is to make sure Goodwood is the focus of the sport for more than just that week.

“We have some great fixtures outside our blue riband meeting.

“There’s our Celebration Mile meeting, for instance. Like our other meetings, it can gets overshadowed by Glorious. But it has proved itself a top quality race.

“The winner this year, Poet’s Voice, went on to win the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and is taking part in the Group One Champion Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.”

Waterworth is not after self-promotion as he faces up to the challenge.

He said: “I’m not after making a name for myself. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it. It will be a new era but I’m not going to change things just for the sake of it.

“I want all that is good about Goodwood to carry on. I know the reputation of Goodwood in terms of providing a great customer experience. We want to make it better than ever.

“We’re known for top-class racing. But we can improve some of the races which haven’t worked out well this year in terms of the number of quality runners.

“If I’m at Goodwood 28 years like Rod I’m sure things can be improved every year. That’s what myself and my team will strive for.”

Waterworth believes the challenge is greater than taking over at a troubled track.

He said: “It will be harder. In some ways it is easier to take over a place that is a bit of a ‘basket case’ – then you can make a difference.”

Waterworth attended a ceremony to present Fabricius with a painting of the course to mark his retirement.

He said: “Rod has been fantastic in introducing me to everything and everyone. He could not have done more.

“The painting was one he had had his eye on and part of a group that were done to illustrate all the events around the estate.

“He was delighted when the owner, the Duke (of Richmond) presented him with it.

“Have I got my eye on one of the other painting? I’ve got another 27-and-a-half years to go yet!”