Horse Racing
Horse racing — a cornerstone of Britain's sporting identity — blends deep-rooted heritage with an atmosphere full of colour, energy and high-level athletic skill.
Every meeting carries its own character, whether it's a relaxed summer gathering or one of the nation's major flagship occasions that draws widespread attention.
Together, these events create a distinctive and enduring sporting landscape that continues to captivate audiences throughout the UK, offering a mix of tradition, spectacle and unforgettable moments.
Top UK Events
Royal Ascot
Recognised globally as one of the most prestigious racing gatherings, Royal Ascot blends long-standing royal traditions with exceptional sporting standards.
The week-long festival, held at the distinguished Ascot Racecourse, pairs ceremonial pageantry with high fashion, creating an atmosphere where world-class racing meets the cultural flair of the British summer season.
For many visitors — whether long-time racing enthusiasts or guests drawn by its social prestige — Royal Ascot represents the perfect union of heritage, spectacle and elite competition.
Cheltenham Festival
Celebrated as the pinnacle of UK jump racing, the Cheltenham Festival delivers four days of high-intensity competition at the historic Cheltenham Racecourse.
The event attracts top-tier trainers, leading jockeys and outstanding horses from across the world, all competing on one of the most respected stages in the National Hunt discipline.
Its mix of demanding races, fervent crowds and long-standing tradition has made Cheltenham an unmistakable highlight of the jump racing calendar.
Grand National
Staged at the iconic Aintree Racecourse, the Grand National is widely acknowledged as the world's most famous steeplechase.
Known for its challenging course, dramatic fences and enormous domestic and international following, the race has a cultural resonance that extends far beyond typical racing audiences.
Each year, the Grand National becomes a unifying national moment — an event watched by millions across the UK and worldwide, admired for its unpredictability, scale and enduring legacy.
UK Horse Racing Calendar 2026
| Month | Key Events (UK Horse Racing) |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | • New Year's Day Racing – Cheltenham • Veterans' Chase Series Final – Sandown Park |
| February 2026 | • Betfair Hurdle – Newbury • Coral Trophy – Kempton Park |
| March 2026 | • Cheltenham Festival (10–13 March) • Midlands Grand National – Uttoxeter • Imperial Cup – Sandown Park |
| April 2026 | • Grand National Festival – Aintree (2–4 April) • Scottish Grand National – Ayr • Spring Trials – Newbury |
| May 2026 | • QIPCO Guineas Festival – Newmarket (2000 & 1000 Guineas) • Chester May Festival • York Dante Festival • London Gold Cup – Newbury |
| June 2026 | • Epsom Derby Festival • Royal Ascot (16–20 June) |
| July 2026 | • Coral-Eclipse – Sandown Park • Newmarket July Festival • King George Weekend – Ascot |
| August 2026 | • Ebor Festival – York • Shergar Cup – Ascot |
| September 2026 | • St Leger Festival – Doncaster • Ayr Gold Cup Festival |
| October 2026 | • QIPCO British Champions Day – Ascot • Cesarewitch & Cambridgeshire – Newmarket |
| November 2026 | • Betfair Chase – Haydock Park • The November Meeting – Cheltenham |
| December 2026 | • Tingle Creek Chase – Sandown Park • Long Walk Hurdle – Ascot • King George VI Chase – Kempton Park (26 December) |