2025: A Thrilling Year of Horse Racing
The year 2025 promises a captivating calendar of horse racing events, catering to both Flat and National Hunt enthusiasts. From prestigious festivals like Cheltenham and the Grand National to iconic races like the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the schedule is packed with thrilling competitions. This comprehensive guide outlines the major races and festivals to anticipate throughout the year, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action.
January – February: Setting the Pace
The year kicks off with the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton and the Classic Chase at Warwick, followed by the Winter Million at Windsor. Ascot hosts the Clarence House Chase, while Haydock stages the Peter Marsh Chase. Cheltenham Trials Day in late January offers a glimpse of potential Cheltenham Festival contenders. February brings the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, the Chase Day at Ascot, and the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton. Internationally, the Saudi Cup in Riyadh offers a lucrative prize.
March – April: The Heart of Jump Racing
March is dominated by the Cheltenham Festival, a four-day spectacle featuring the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle, and Gold Cup. April sees the Grand National Festival at Aintree, culminating in the world-famous Randox Grand National. Other notable races include the Scottish National at Ayr, the Irish National at Fairyhouse, and the Jumps Season Finale at Sandown. The Punchestown Festival concludes the National Hunt season.
May – June: Transition to Flat Racing
The Flat season takes center stage in May, beginning with the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, coinciding with the Kentucky Derby in the US. The Dante Festival at York features the Musidora Stakes, Dante Stakes, and Yorkshire Cup. June highlights include the Epsom Derby Festival, with the Oaks and Derby, and Royal Ascot, a five-day extravaganza showcasing races like the St James’s Palace Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Gold Cup, Coronation Stakes, and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
July – August: Summer Racing Highlights
July offers a mix of prestigious Flat races, including the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, the Newmarket July Festival featuring the July Cup, the King George at Ascot, and the Glorious Goodwood festival with the Goodwood Cup, Sussex Stakes, and Nassau Stakes. August continues the excitement with the Shergar Cup at Ascot and the Ebor Festival at York, featuring the Juddmonte International, Yorkshire Oaks, Nunthorpe, and the Ebor.
September – October: Autumn Classics and International Flair
September brings the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, highlighted by the Betfred St Leger, alongside the Irish Champions Weekend. Newmarket hosts the Cheveley Park Stakes and the Cambridgeshire. October sees the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, the Champions Day at Ascot, the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, and the Breeders’ Cup in the USA.
November – December: Return of Jump Racing
The National Hunt season returns in November with the Cheltenham Open Meeting. Newbury stages the Long Distance Hurdle and the Coral Trophy. December features the Tingle Creek Day at Sandown, the King George at Kempton, the Welsh National at Chepstow, and the Savills Chase at Leopardstown. The Challow Hurdle at Newbury rounds out the year.
In addition to the exciting racing action, fans can enhance their experience by joining The Sun Racing Members Enclosure. This exclusive membership offers various benefits, including free racing tickets, early access to Templegate’s tips, exclusive content, and VIP competitions. It’s a valuable resource for staying informed and maximizing your enjoyment of the racing season. Remember to gamble responsibly and within your means, utilizing resources like Gamcare and Gamble Aware for guidance and support.
