Horse racing has long been woven into the fabric of British sporting culture. From centuries-old jump races to flat racing spectacles watched around the world, the UK calendar is filled with events that combine heritage, glamour, and the chance for extraordinary sporting drama. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a newcomer curious about the sport, these are the ten biggest horse racing events in the UK.

1. The Grand National – Aintree

The most famous steeplechase in the world, the Grand National at Aintree near Liverpool is a true national institution. Held every April, it’s a 4-mile, 30-fence test of stamina and courage that captures the attention of millions, many of whom place their one bet of the year on the race.

2. The Cheltenham Festival – Cheltenham Racecourse

Taking place over four days each March, the Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the jump racing season. It includes the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase. The Irish invasion of fans and horses gives the festival its unique atmosphere, making it one of the sport’s most electric weeks.

3. Royal Ascot – Ascot Racecourse

Synonymous with elegance and pageantry, Royal Ascot each June attracts royalty, celebrities, and racing’s finest thoroughbreds. The five-day festival is renowned for top-class flat racing, fashion, and tradition, including the daily Royal Procession. The Gold Cup on Ladies’ Day is a particular highlight.

4. Epsom Derby – Epsom Downs

Often described as the “greatest flat race in the world,” the Derby is run every June at Epsom. First contested in 1780, it remains the ultimate test of a three-year-old thoroughbred, mixing speed, stamina, and balance over its undulating course. It’s the richest flat race in Britain and a pivotal event in the racing calendar.

5. 2000 Guineas & 1000 Guineas – Newmarket

Newmarket, the home of British flat racing, hosts the Guineas Festival in early May. The 2000 Guineas is a mile-long test for colts, while the 1000 Guineas is for fillies. Together, they form two of the sport’s five Classics and often act as early pointers to Derby or Oaks contenders.

6. St Leger Stakes – Doncaster

The St Leger, run each September at Doncaster, is the oldest of Britain’s five Classics, dating back to 1776. It’s also the longest, at 1 mile 6 furlongs, and serves as the final leg of the Triple Crown. It carries enormous prestige and tradition within the flat racing world.

7. King George VI Chase – Kempton Park

Run on Boxing Day, the King George VI Chase is one of the crown jewels of the National Hunt season. A midwinter test of staying chasers over three miles, it often showcases future Gold Cup winners. Desert Orchid and Kauto Star famously dominated this race, securing their legendary status.

8. The Oaks – Epsom Downs

Alongside the Derby, the Oaks is one of Epsom’s great summer spectacles. First run in 1779, it is restricted to three-year-old fillies and serves as the ultimate test of class and stamina for young female racehorses. Many of the great fillies of history have triumphed here.

9. The Scottish Grand National – Ayr

Held in April, usually the week after the Aintree Grand National, the Scottish Grand National at Ayr is another stamina-sapping steeplechase over four miles. While it doesn’t quite carry the same global profile as Aintree, it’s a hugely important event for trainers, jockeys, and fans north of the border.

10. The Ebor Festival – York

Every August, York Racecourse stages the Ebor Festival, a four-day extravaganza of high-quality flat racing. Its showpiece is the Ebor Handicap, one of Europe’s richest handicaps, alongside Group 1 races like the Juddmonte International, which regularly attracts some of the best horses in the world.

Final Thoughts

From the glamour of Royal Ascot to the raw drama of the Grand National, Britain’s racing calendar is packed with events that combine heritage, competition, and spectacle. Whether your interest is in jumps or the flat, tradition or fashion, these ten events showcase the very best of UK horse racing.