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    Upcoming Horse Racing Festivals and Events in UK and Ireland

    December 31, 2025

    Cheltenham Festival: The Pinnacle of Jump Racing

    Horse racing fans, mark your calendars! The Cheltenham Festival, one of the most eagerly awaited racing events, returns in March with its thrilling mix of top-class jumps racing and unrivaled excitement. Across four action-packed days, legendary fixtures like the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the Gold Cup take centre stage as jockeys and horses vie for glory.

    This year's festival promises to once again deliver star performances, with big names like Constitution Hill and Galopin Des Champs tipped to feature. For more expert insights on this year’s top horses and races, be sure to explore our dedicated Cheltenham Festival content.

    Don't forget to check the latest racecards for information on entries, and visit the non-runners page closer to the event to stay updated on withdrawals.

    Aintree Grand National Meeting: The World’s Most Famous Race

    Following hot on the heels of Cheltenham, the Aintree Grand National Meeting arrives every April with three days of spectacular racing. The Grand National itself, known as ‘the race that stops the nation,’ headlines the event and attracts millions of viewers worldwide. Last year, Corach Rambler emerged victorious in a thrilling finish—further solidifying Aintree as a must-watch festival.

    If you're planning to bet on this year’s runners, visit our upcoming tips page for daily selections and predictions. Considering an each-way bet on a longshot? Our each-way tips section has you covered!

    Flat Racing Festivals Headlining the Summer

    As the warmer months roll in, flat racing takes the spotlight with Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby, and Glorious Goodwood. These world-renowned festivals not only offer top-tier flat racing but also bring a touch of glamour and pageantry to the sport.

    Royal Ascot, scheduled for June, delivers five days of unmatched excitement, featuring dazzling races like the Gold Cup and King’s Stand Stakes. Meanwhile, the Epsom Derby in early June serves as a focal point of the British sporting calendar, with the iconic Derby Day expected to crown another champion three-year-old colt or filly.

    To stay informed on how your favourite horses stack up, use our horse comparison tool to track recent form, pedigree, and other crucial metrics when evaluating runners for these high-stakes events.

    Irish Champions Weekend: Showcasing Ireland’s Finest

    September belongs to the Irish Champions Weekend, celebrating the best of Irish racing over two incredible days split between Leopardstown and the Curragh. With highlights like the Irish Champion Stakes and the Irish St. Leger, this weekend delivers breathtaking action and sets the stage for global talent competing for substantial prize money.

    Need reliable data to inform your bets during Irish Champions Weekend? Check out our fast results for the latest outcomes or head to our betting calculator for assistance with calculating potential payouts on singles, accumulators, or other bet types.

    Autumn Carnivals: Champion Stakes and Beyond

    As the calendar turns to autumn, the UK and Ireland remain a hive of racing action. The QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot, held in October, serves as the season's grand finale for flat racing. With big races including the Champions Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Ascot delivers an electrifying end to the flat campaign.

    For fans of betting multiples, take a look at our accumulator tips for insights on building value-packed wagers during Champions Day.

    Don’t Miss The Daily Action to Build the Anticipation

    While the grand festivals feature prominently on the racing calendar, the excitement of UK and Irish horse racing is year-round. From Class 6 handicaps to Group 1 showdowns, there’s an event for everyone, every day.

    Keep abreast of today’s racing runners with our comprehensive runners page and plan ahead with our detailed tips for tomorrow's races. Whether you're a seasoned punter or a casual fan, there’s always a way to enhance your enjoyment of the sport.

    Stay tuned to RacingPredictions.com for the best tips, tools, and news leading up to the UK and Ireland’s most anticipated racing events. Whether it’s the roar of Cheltenham, the tradition of Royal Ascot, or the drama of the Grand National, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for every heart-pounding moment.

    Written for RacingPredictions by

    Representative editorial portrait of James WhitfieldJames Whitfield Racing Form Analyst