Horse Racing Calendar 2026
Complete guide to major racing festivals, key meetings, and championship events throughout 2026
From the jumped fences at Cheltenham to the flat racing glitz of Royal Ascot, the 2026 racing calendar offers world-class racing across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. Whether you're following National Hunt or flat racing, mark these major meetings in your calendar.
2026 Racing Calendar Overview
| Month | Major Festival | Key Races | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Cheltenham Festival | Gold Cup Champion Hurdle Queen Mother Chase | National Hunt |
| April | Aintree Grand National | Grand National Melling Chase | National Hunt |
| May | Guineas Festival | 2000 Guineas 1000 Guineas | Flat |
| June | Royal Ascot | Gold Cup Diamond Jubilee | Flat |
| June | Epsom Derby | Epsom Derby The Oaks | Flat |
| July | Newmarket July Festival | July Cup King George | Flat |
| August | Goodwood | Sussex Stakes Goodwood Cup | Flat |
| September | St Leger Festival | St Leger Doncaster Cup | Flat |
| October | Champions Day | Champions Stakes Sprinters Cup | Flat |
| November | Cheltenham November | King George VI Chase | National Hunt |
| December | King George VI Chase | King George VI Chase | National Hunt |
Major Racing Festivals 2026
Key Races
- Champion Hurdle (Tuesday)
- Queen Mother Chase (Wednesday)
- Stayers' Hurdle (Thursday)
- Cheltenham Gold Cup (Friday)
The Olympics of National Hunt racing. Four days of world-class jump racing attracting the finest talents from Britain and Ireland.
View Festival GuideKey Races
- Grand National (Saturday)
- Melling Chase (Friday)
- Topham Chase (Saturday)
The world's greatest steeplechase. A legendary 4-mile, 30-fence test of stamina and jumping ability watched by millions globally.
View Festival GuideKey Races
- Gold Cup (Thursday)
- Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Saturday)
- Coronation Stakes (Friday)
Royal racing at its finest. Five days of prestigious flat racing featuring pattern races, royal pageantry, and the world's top thoroughbreds.
View Festival GuideKey Races
- Sussex Stakes (Tuesday)
- Goodwood Cup (Thursday)
- Stewards' Cup (Saturday)
The "Glorious Goodwood" - five days of summer flat racing on the spectacular downland track. Glamorous, competitive, and unpredictable.
Fixtures & RacesKey Races
- Epsom Derby (Saturday)
- The Oaks (Friday)
- King Edward VII Stakes
The ultimate test of the Thoroughbred. The Epsom Derby has crowned the greatest racehorses since 1780. Blue riband of the turf.
View Festival GuideKey Races
- St Leger (Saturday)
- Doncaster Cup (Friday)
- Park Hill Stakes
The oldest classic race still run on its original course. The final leg of the Triple Crown for fillies, drawing top 3-year-olds.
Fixtures & RacesKey Races
- 2000 Guineas (Colts)
- 1000 Guineas (Fillies)
- Newmarket Stakes
The first classic races of the season. Opening battles for the year's top 3-year-olds and traditional first steps on the classic trail.
Fixtures & RacesKey Races
- Breeders' Cup Classic
- Juvenile (2-year-olds)
- Turf Championship
America's premier racing championship. World-class international racing with massive prize purses drawing top horses globally.
Fixtures & RacesUnderstanding National Hunt vs Flat Racing
National Hunt Racing
Jump racing features horses jumping over fences and hurdles. Horses are typically older and more experienced than flat racers.
- Peak season: October-March
- Distances: 2-4+ miles
- Main tracks: Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown
- Demands stamina & jumping skill
Flat Racing
Thoroughbreds race without jumping obstacles. Speed, acceleration, and tactical awareness are paramount.
- Peak season: March-November
- Distances: 5 furlongs - 3 miles
- Main tracks: Newmarket, Ascot, Goodwood
- Showcases pure speed & pedigree