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    Top UK and Ireland Horse Racing Festivals to Watch This Season

    March 22, 2026

    The Winter Carnival at Newbury

    The Winter Carnival, held at Newbury Racecourse on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December, is a favourite for jump racing enthusiasts. The highlight, the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Trophy Chase, promises top-tier competition. With appearances from past champions such as Denman, this event often sets the tone for the National Hunt season. For more information about the participating horses, check out our racecards page to explore entries and form guides.

    Whether you're considering an accumulator across multiple races or fancy an each-way punt on an underdog, be sure to visit our accumulator tips section or our each-way tips page for expert betting advice.

    The Prestigious Cheltenham Festival

    Few can deny the grandeur of the Cheltenham Festival, running from 12th to 15th March 2024. Known as the pinnacle of the jump racing calendar, this four-day bonanza is unforgettable. Key races such as the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the highlight, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, showcase the very best equine and jockey talent.

    As the Festival draws closer, we’ll provide all the latest updates on our dedicated Cheltenham Festival page. In the meantime, start preparing your horses-to-watch by visiting our horse comparison tool. It's an invaluable resource for analysing past performances.

    Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown

    Over two days in early February, Leopardstown Racecourse plays host to the increasingly popular Dublin Racing Festival. With Grade 1 contests such as the Irish Gold Cup and the Irish Champion Hurdle, this event attracts many top horses and trainers at the peak of their powers. The Dublin Racing Festival also serves as a significant prep for bigger races later in the season.

    If you’re targeting this festival for a betting edge, our betting calculator is ideal for checking returns on everything from singles to complex multiples. Don't forget to follow the latest updates, including withdrawn entries, via our non-runners page.

    Grand National Festival at Aintree

    The Grand National at Aintree is more than a race – it’s a national institution. Held from 11th to 13th April 2024, the festival offers three days of thrilling action, culminating in the iconic Grand National handicap steeplechase on the Saturday. This race has made household names out of horses like Tiger Roll, Red Rum, and more recently, Noble Yeats.

    For those eager to prepare in advance, visit our tomorrow's tips page for early advice. Checking the competition for the big day? Our runners page provides a comprehensive list of who's in action daily.

    Flat Racing Highlights: Royal Ascot 2024

    Looking further ahead, Royal Ascot in June is the crown jewel of the British flat racing season. This five-day spectacle combines world-class racing with high fashion and tradition. Races such as the Queen Anne Stakes and the Gold Cup never fail to draw international attention, showcasing elite horses, jockeys, and trainers across a range of distances.

    Planning your bets early? Our fast results page will help you track form trends and adjust your picks in real time.

    Your Ultimate Guide to Racing Success

    Whether you're an experienced punter or a novice, staying informed is key to maximising your success during racing festivals. From using tools like our betting calculator to tracking horses via our comparison tool, RacingPredictions.com has everything you need. Bookmark the site and ensure you're always one step ahead this season!

    Written for RacingPredictions by

    Representative editorial portrait of Sophie HarringtonSophie Harrington Racecourse & Festival Editor