Top 12 Dates in the Horse Racing Calendar
Bertie Gargan, 20/09/2024
If you’re a fan of UK horse racing, knowing the top events on the UK horse racing calendar is essential.
Whether you enjoy the excitement of the National Hunt season or the elegance of the Flat racing season, these key events provide endless opportunities for betting on horse racing and enjoying the sport’s best moments.
Below are the top horse races in the UK, complete with average dates and details to help you plan your schedule!
1. The Cheltenham Festival
Average Date: Around 10th–14th March
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the standout events on the UK horse racing calendar. It marks a major highlight of the National Hunt season and is the ideal opportunity for gamblers to take advantage of horse racing tips. With four days of thrilling racing, including the famous Champion Hurdle and the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup, this event consistently delivers unforgettable moments. Cheltenham is known for its British-Irish rivalry, which adds even more excitement to the races.
2. Grand National at Aintree
Average Date: 7th April
The Grand National at Aintree is the world’s most famous steeplechase, and it’s a key date on the UK horse racing calendar. This historic race, a highlight of the National Hunt season, tests horses over 30 fences, making it one of the most challenging events for both horses and jockeys. The unpredictable nature of the Grand National makes it one of the most popular betting events of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to the sport, the Grand National offers a thrilling spectacle for all.
3. Scottish Grand National at Ayr
Average Date: 17th April
Just one week after Aintree, the Scottish Grand National at Ayr is a key event in the National Hunt season. The four-mile challenge offers plenty of excitement and betting opportunities. Horses that don’t get into the Grand National often turn up at Ayr for their chance at glory.
4. Newmarket Guineas Festival
Average Date: 1st–2nd May
The Guineas Festival at Newmarket kicks off the flat racing season proper, and sets the stage for some of the most prestigious races of the year. The 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas races are central to this festival and the first Classics of the year. Huge races in their own right, the meeting is also a preview of potential stars for the upcoming Turf season.
5. Chester May Festival
Average Date: 5th–7th May
Taking place at the UK’s oldest racecourse, the Chester May Festival is an event steeped in history and tradition. The highlight of the festival is the Chester Cup, a popular race that draws top horses and trainers. As one of the first key events of the flat racing season, the festival is a must for punters looking to refine their horse racing tips and strategies. The Chester Vase, run over 1m4f, is also a key trial for Derby hopefuls, offering an early insight into horses with proven stamina for the Derby test.
6. York Dante Meeting
Average Date: 14th May
The Dante Festival at York is a crucial flat racing season fixture, offering many horses a final trial for the Epsom Derby. The festival’s standout race, the Dante Stakes, showcases some of the year’s best three-year-olds and leading Derby fancies. The Dante (male horses) and Musidora (female horses) are both major trials for the Oaks and Derby at Epsom.
7. Epsom Derby Meeting
Average Date: 5th June
As the premier flat racing event, the Epsom Derby is a must-watch race for any horse racing fan. Run over one and a half miles, it is regarded as the ultimate test of a three-year-old horse’s ability. The Derby is one of the most prestigious events in the flat racing season, drawing attention from around the world. Punters often rely on formlines from the Guineas and Dante meetings to find their bet for the big race. Winning the Epsom Derby is a career-defining moment for any horse, making it a key race on the UK horse racing calendar.
8. Royal Ascot
Average Date: 16th–20th June
Royal Ascot is the epitome of glamour and prestige in horse racing. As one of the most famous horse racing festivals in the world, it draws royalty, celebrities, and top racing talent. Held over five days, the event features some of the best flat racing in the season, including the renowned Gold Cup. Punters have plenty of opportunities to find and use horse racing tips, as the variety of races provides a range of betting markets. Whether you’re focused on the top Group 1 races or the handicaps, Royal Ascot is an essential event for betting on horse racing.
9. Eclipse Day at Sandown
Average Date: 3rd July
The Coral Eclipse Stakes is an early summer flat racing season highlight, where three-year-olds face older horses for the first time. Run over a mile and a quarter, this race is a major test of middle-distance talent. For punters looking to use horse racing tips, the Coral Eclipse often provides a preview of form for major races later in the season. It’s a key event for people following the leading middle-distance horses throughout the season.
10. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
Average Date: 24th July
As one of the standout races of the flat racing season, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes pits top three-year-olds against older horses. This mid-summer championship at Ascot is an opportunity for bettors to gauge the form of horses ahead of international events later in the year. The race is one of the most prestigious in the UK horse racing calendar, offering exciting betting opportunities for those using well-researched horse racing tips.
11. York Ebor Festival
Average Date: 19th–22nd August
The York Ebor Festival is a key date in the flat racing season, hosting the historic Ebor Handicap and the prestigious Juddmonte International Stakes. With its combination of top-class races and competitive handicaps, the festival offers plenty of betting opportunities. Bettors who follow horse racing tips often find value in the festival’s wide-open fields, particularly in the high-stakes handicap races. The Ebor Festival is also a great opportunity to see top middle-distance horses compete.
12. British Champions Day at Ascot
Average Date: 15th October
Bringing the flat racing season to a close, British Champions Day at Ascot is the richest race day in the UK. With five Group 1 races, it’s a fitting finale to the season, featuring the best horses, jockeys, and trainers. Punters eagerly await the day to put their horse racing tips to the test in this championship-deciding event. With millions in prize money at stake, British Champions Day is one of the most exciting and competitive events on the UK horse racing calendar.
By keeping these dates in mind, you can stay ahead of the competition and make the most of your horse racing tips throughout the year.
