The UK is home to some of the world’s most iconic horse racing events, and for many, these are the events that draw in the crowds and create the atmosphere that makes horse racing in the UK so special. This year is no different, with a number of big races coming up that promise to be thrilling and exciting. Here, we look at some of the biggest horse races coming up in the UK and what makes them so special.
The Grand National
The Grand National is one of the oldest, most famous and most prestigious horse races in the world. It is run over a distance of 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with a total of 30 fences to be jumped. This year, the race will take place on April 10th at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.
The Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby is a flat horse race run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey. It is one of the five British Classic Races, and is one of the most famous horse races in the world. This year’s Derby will take place on June 5th and will be a particularly exciting event as it is the 250th running of the race.
The Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar. It takes place every year in March, and features some of the best horses and jockeys in the world. This year’s Festival will take place from March 16th-19th and is sure to be an exciting event.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is another of the UK’s most iconic horse races. It is part of the British Royal Meeting and takes place in June each year. This year’s Royal Ascot will take place from June 15th-19th, and promises to be an exciting event as it is the 250th anniversary of the race.
The Investec Derby Festival
The Investec Derby Festival is a two-day event that takes place annually at Epsom Downs Racecourse. It features some of the best horses and jockeys in the world and is one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. This year, the Festival will take place from June 4th-5th.
The St Leger Festival
The St Leger Festival is held annually at Doncaster Racecourse in Yorkshire. It is the oldest of the five British Classic Races, and one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. This year’s Festival will take place from September 9th-11th.
The King George VI Chase
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt horse race run on Boxing Day at Kempton Park Racecourse. It is one of the most prestigious events in the National Hunt calendar and is one of the most watched races of the season. This year’s race will take place on December 26th.
The William Hill Aintree Festival
The William Hill Aintree Festival is a three-day event held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a celebration of horse racing and features some of the best horses and jockeys in the world. This year’s Festival will take place from April 8th-10th and is sure to be an exciting event.
The Betfair Chase
The Betfair Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt horse race run on the first Saturday in November at Haydock Park Racecourse. It is a major event in the National Hunt calendar and one of the most watched and most prestigious races of the season. This year’s race will take place on November 6th.
The QIPCO British Champions Day
The QIPCO British Champions Day is the finale of the British flat racing season. It takes place annually at Ascot Racecourse and features some of the best horses and jockeys in the world. This year, the event will take place on October 16th and is sure to be an exciting event.
Conclusion
The UK is home to some of the biggest and most iconic horse races in the world, and this year, there is a packed calendar of events that promise to be thrilling and exciting. From the Grand National and Epsom Derby to the King George VI Chase and the QIPCO British Champions Day, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, make sure to mark your calendars and get ready for some of the biggest and most exciting horse races of the year!
Keywords:
- Grand National
- Epsom Derby
- Cheltenham Festival
- Royal Ascot
- Investec Derby Festival
- St Leger Festival
- King George VI Chase
- William Hill Aintree Festival
- Betfair Chase
- QIPCO British Champions Day