Each race meeting has its own identity, whether it's an elegant summer fixture or one of the nation's major showpiece events.
Collectively, these occasions form a uniquely memorable landscape that continues to engage and inspire spectators across the UK.
The Royal Ascot stands as one of the world's most distinguished racing festivals, recognised for its royal traditions, polished etiquette and elite sporting quality.
The week-long occasion pairs historic pageantry with high fashion, attracting both dedicated racing followers and style-conscious visitors who see the event as a defining cultural moment of the British summer.
The Cheltenham Festival is widely regarded as the premier stage for UK jump racing.
Across four days, the atmosphere becomes intensely competitive as leading trainers, jockeys and horses from around the globe converge on one of the sport's most respected venues.
Its combination of high stakes, passionate crowds and historic races makes Cheltenham a centrepiece of the National Hunt calendar.
Hosted at the iconic Aintree Racecourse, the Grand National remains the most recognisable steeplechase in the world.
Its demanding course, dramatic jumps and enormous nationwide audience give the race a reputation that extends far beyond traditional horse racing circles.
Each year, the Grand National becomes a shared national moment, drawing attention from millions across the UK and beyond.
| 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) |