O'Leary has the X Factor - and so does Goodwood

The Radio 2 DJ and X Factor host proved a big hit with varied 90-minute set featuring dance tracks, contemporary favourites and the odd 80s classic.

It was perfect for an audience who were a mixture of Dermot and X Factor fanatics and people who simply wanted to boogie the night away.

O’Leary played everything from Amy Winehouse to Duran Duran and got the crowd below him on the parade ring and winners’ enclosure dancing from the start to the finish of his set, which was backed in a fantastic light and laser show - as seen in Clive Bennett’s picture at the top of this article.

Afterwards he took time to pose for photos and chat to fans.

It was the polar opposite outcome of the first of this year’s Friday-night series at Goodwood, when a power cut put paid to any chance of anyone seeing Groove Armada’s set.

The nights conclude next Friday (June 22) with Mike Skinner taking to the decks.

O’Leary’s set followed a six-race card which included a race named in his honour and another which marked the 25th anniversary of Frankie Dettori’s first-ever UK race, which was at Goodwood.

STEVE BONE

See this website on Monday for a picture gallery from Dermot O’Leary’s Goodwood appearance - and the Observer on Thursday for further coverage