The 2026 horse racing calendar promises an exhilarating year of world-class competition, bringing together the sport’s finest thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers across an array of prestigious global events. From historic flat races to demanding steeplechases, fans can look forward to a captivating blend of tradition, athleticism, and high-stakes drama as the season unfolds.
In the United Kingdom, the racing calendar remains one of the most celebrated and diverse in the world. The year begins with anticipation around the five English Classics – 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, The Derby, The Oaks, and the St Leger – each steeped in heritage and offering pivotal moments in the season. These cornerstone fixtures are complemented by iconic jump racing events, including the Grand National at Aintree and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which continue to capture the attention of both dedicated racing followers and casual sports fans alike. The Derby at Epsom, often described as the ultimate test of a racehorse, remains a highlight of the summer.
On the international stage, 2026 will also feature some of the most prestigious races on the planet. The Dubai World Cup at Meydan, renowned for its impressive prize purse and glittering atmosphere, sets the tone for elite global competition. In Europe, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris once again stands as a pinnacle of flat racing excellence. Meanwhile, the southern hemisphere prepares for the spectacle of the Melbourne Cup, “the race that stops a nation”. In the United States, major fixtures such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup form an essential part of the global racing narrative.
Here, we explore the standout horse races, festivals, and key events shaping the 2026 season across the UK and around the world.
Main image: Downpatrick Racecourse in Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Major horse races and festivals in 2026
2026 Pegasus World Cup
When: 24 January 2026
Where: Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida, US
Website: pegasusworldcup.com
Saudi Cup
When: 13-15 February 2026
Where: King Abdulaziz Racetrack, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Website: jcsa.sa
Cheltenham Festival
When: 10-13 March 2026
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, England
Feature races (jumps): Unibet Champion Hurdle, Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase, Cheltenham Gold Cup
Website, tickets and hospitality: thejockeyclub.co.uk
30th Dubai World Cup
When: 28 March 2026
Where: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE
Ulster National Raceday at Downpatrick
What: seven races will be on the card, including the feature race, the Randox Ulster National
When: 29 March 2026
Where: Downpatrick Racecourse, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Website: downpatrickracecourse.co.uk
Grand National Festival at Aintree
When: 9-11 April 2026
Where: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England
Feature races (jumps): JLT Melling Steeple Chase, Randox Health Topham Steeple Chase, Grand National
Website, tickets and hospitality: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Grand National Day at Aintree
When: 11 April 2026
Where: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England
Website, tickets and hospitality: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Scottish Grand National Festival 2026
When: 17-18 April 2026
Where: Ayr Racecourse, Scotland
Feature races (jumps): Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle, Coral Scottish Grand National
Website: ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Bet365 Jump Finale at Sandown Park
When: 25 April 2026
Where: Sandown Park, Surrey, England
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Kentucky Derby
When: 2 May 2026
Where: Churchill Downs Racetrack, Louisville, Kentucky, US
Website: kentuckyderby.com
Preakness Stakes
When: 16 May 2026
Where: Laurel Park Laurel, Maryland, US
Website: preakness.com
Epsom Derby Festival
When: 5-6 June 2026
Where: Epsom Downs, Surrey, England
Feature races (flat): The Oaks, The Derby
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Belmont Stakes
When: 6 June 2026
Where: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York, US
Royal Ascot
When: 16-20 June 2026
Where: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, England
Feature races (flat): Gold Cup, St James’s Palace Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Coronation Stakes, Golden Jubilee Stakes
Website: ascot.co.uk
Old Newton Cup Day at Haydock Park
When: 4 July 2026
Where: Haydock Park, Merseyside, England
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
The July Festival at Newmarket
When: 9-11 July 2026
Where: Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, England
Feature races (flat): Darley July Cup, Princess of Wales’s Stakes, Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Summer Plate Ladies Day at Market Rasen
When: 18 July 2026
Where: Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, England
Feature races (jumps): Summer Plate Grade 3 Handicap Chase, Summer Handicap Hurdle
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
King George Weekend at Ascot
When: 24-25 July 2026
Where: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, England
Feature races (flat): King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Website: ascot.co.uk
Qatar Goodwood Festival
What: “Glorious Goodwood” is a flat racing festival
When: 28 July-1 August 2026
Where: Goodwood Racecourse, West Sussex, England
Feature races (flat): Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, Qatar Sussex Stakes, King George Qatar Stakes
Website: goodwood.com
York Ebor Festival
When: 19-22 August 2026
Where: York Racecourse, York, England
Feature races: Juddmonte International, Darley Yorkshire Oaks, Coolmore Nunthorpe, York Ebor
Tickets: yorkracecourse.co.uk
Sandown Park Presents BetMGM 80s Day
When: 29 August 2026
Where: Sandown Park, Surrey, England
Feature races: Solario Stakes
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Betfair Sprint Cup Day at Haydock Park
When: 5 September 2026
Where: Haydock Park, Lancashire, England
Feature races: Betfair Sprint Cup
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
St Leger Festival at Doncaster
When: 10-13 September 2026
Where: Doncaster Racecourse
Featured races (flat): Doncaster Cup; St Leger Stakes; Leger Legends Day charity race
Website: doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
When: 3-4 October 2026
Where: Longchamps, Paris, France
Website: francegalop-live.com
Dubai Future Champions Festival at Newmarket
When: 9-10 October 2026
Where: Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, Suffolk, England
Feature races: bet365 Fillies’ Mile, Darley Dewhurst Stakes, Cesarewitch Handicap
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
The Everest
What: the world’s ‘richest race on turf’
When: 17 October 2026
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, Australia
Website: theeverest.com.au
Breeders’ Cup
When: 30-31 October 2026
Where: Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, Kentucky, US
Website: breederscup.com
Melbourne Cup Carnival
When: 31 October-7 November 2026
Where: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Races: Howden Victoria Derby Day (31 November); Lexus Melbourne Cup (3 November); Crown Oaks Day (5 November); TAB Champions Stakes Day (7 November)
Website: vrc.com.au
Melbourne Cup Day
When: 3 November 2026
Where: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Website: vrc.com.au
Betfair Tingle Creek Festival at Sandown Park
When: 4-5 December 2026
Where: Sandown Park, Surrey, England
Feature races (jumps): Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, Winter Novices’ Hurdle
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Boxing Day Racing at Aintree
When: 26 December 2026
Where: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Boxing Day Racing at Wincanton
When: 26 December 2026
Where: Wincanton Racecourse, Somerset, England
Website and tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk
Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow
When: 27 December 2026
Where: Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow, Wales
Featured races (jump): Welsh National, Finale Junior Hurdle, Championship Bumper
Website: chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
Other sports calendars
Editor’s note: Sports Tourism News works with affiliate partners such as The Jockey Club, Ticketmaster, and See Tickets. Any tickets or packages are sold directly by agents and operators. We may earn a commission should you choose to book any tickets or packages. All details are provided by affiliate partners. All events and prices subject to change.