As the excitement builds and anticipation mounts for the upcoming 2024 flat racing season, enthusiasts of the sport eagerly mark their calendars with the most pivotal dates.
From the prestigious Classics to iconic festivals, the racing calendar is full of events that promise thrills, drama, and unforgettable moments.
Without further ado, here are the key dates you simply do not want to miss…
Newmarket Guineas Festival (3-5 May)
Kicking off the season in style, the Newmarket Guineas Festival sets the stage for exhilarating racing action.
As the first two British Classics of the year, the 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas command attention, showcasing the finest three-year-old talent over the iconic Rowley Mile.
Master trainer Aidan O’Brien holds the trump cards once again this year, with his City Of Troy and Ylang Ylang the favourites for the respective races in the betting online.
Derby Festival (31 May-1 June)
Epsom Downs comes alive with anticipation as the prestigious Derby Festival takes centre stage on 31 May-1 June.
Two more British Classics take place over the weekend, with the Oaks followed by the prestigious Derby.
Dubbed the ‘Greatest Flat Race in the World’, the Derby captivates audiences with its rich history and thrilling competition.
Royal Ascot (18-22 June)
A highlight of the racing calendar, Royal Ascot transcends sport to become a cultural extravaganza in the heart of Berkshire.
Five days of top-class racing, sartorial elegance, and regal ambience await, with Group 1 races such as the Ascot Gold Cup and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes attracting global attention.
Newmarket July Festival (11-13 July)
Returning to Newmarket, the July Festival adds another layer of excitement to the season.
Featuring the July Cup, one of the most prestigious sprint races in the world, this festival offers a blend of speed, skill, and spectacle.
Glorious Goodwood (30 July-3 August)
Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Sussex countryside, Glorious Goodwood promises five days of high-quality racing and quintessentially British charm.
From the Sussex Stakes to the Goodwood Cup, this festival has something for every racing enthusiast.
York Ebor (21-24 August)
The York Ebor Festival marks the culmination of summer racing with four days of top-class competition.
The Ebor Handicap, Europe’s richest flat handicap race, takes centre stage, attracting a competitive field vying for glory on the Knavesmire.
St Leger Festival (12-15 September)
Doncaster Racecourse reverberates with excitement as the St Leger Festival unfolds.
Culminating in the oldest Classic, the St Leger Stakes, this festival celebrates tradition and showcases the stamina of the thoroughbred over a demanding mile and three-quarters.
Champions Day (19 October)
As autumn leaves begin to fall, Ascot hosts the grand finale of the British flat racing season with Champions Day.
Featuring a stellar lineup of championship races including the Champion Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, this day crowns the year’s champions in style.
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Each date on the calendar holds the potential for history to be made and legends to be born. So, mark your diaries and prepare to witness the magic of flat racing at its finest.
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