Racing fans, we’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that the flat racing season is almost over for another year. But the good news is that jumps racing is just around the corner.
Following another thrilling flat season, including five whirlwind days at Royal Ascot, it’s time to put the fences up and test the best jump horses on the planet ahead of a gruelling winter of racing action. With plenty of exciting race days to look forward to, including the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, here’s everything you need to know.
The curtain will close on this year’s flat racing season at the weekend. Ascot’s QIPCO British Champions Day is the unofficial wrap party and the iconic day will see some of the world’s finest horses go head-to-head for the final time this year, with the weather set to move the action to the inner course.
There’s £4 million in prize money to be won across the day, with four Group 1 races to look forward to on the six-race card, including the lucrative QIPCO Champion Stakes. It’s the richest race day in the British racing calendar and you can be there to witness the action in style thanks to Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages.
Enquire today to reserve a private box, with space available for up to 18 guests to enjoy a delicious lunch, as well as a private bar and dining area. You’ll enjoy the best views of the famous racecourse, with a private balcony and a large TV available so you won’t miss a second of the action.
As we bid a fond farewell to the flat racing season, fans up and down the country will already have one eye on the big jumps fixtures to look forward to. As well as a stacked winter at Ascot, there are also plenty of unmissable events further afield on the horizon.
Next year’s Cheltenham Festival gets underway on Tuesday 11th March, with the final day of racing action taking place on Friday 14th March. The four-day event is among the biggest occasions in world racing and features iconic races including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Following Cheltenham, attention will turn to the Grand National Festival just a few weeks later at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. While the headline race on the Saturday attracts the most attention, the three-day event actually begins on Thursday 3rd April.
Following packed cards on the first two days, it comes to a close on Saturday 5th April with the main event. This year’s Grand National saw Paul Townend ride eight-year-old I Am Maximus to glory, with 2023 winner Corach Rambler falling at the first fence.
While Cheltenham and the Grand National seem like ages away, don’t worry because there are plenty of race days to look forward to before then. The jumps season at Ascot gets underway on the first weekend of November with the Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday.
Following that, there are five more winter events to keep you entertained and we have hospitality availability for all dates. Enquire today to reserve your place.
Ascot Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday – Saturday 2nd November
November Racing Weekend – Friday 22nd – Saturday 23rd November
Howden Christmas Racing Weekend – Friday 20th – Saturday 21st December
Clarence House Chase Raceday – Saturday 18th January, 2025
Betfair Ascot Chase Raceday – Saturday 15th February, 2025
Spring Family Raceday – Sunday 30th March, 2025
While the next flat racing season won’t start until next spring, regular Ascot goers will have already marked the dates for next year’s Royal Ascot in their calendars. The five-day festival is one of the most quintessentially British occasions in the world of sport, giving those attending the chance to dress to impress.
Next year’s Royal Ascot takes place in June, just a few months after Royal Ascot Trials Day at the end of April.
Royal Ascot Day 1 – Tuesday 17th June
Royal Ascot Day 2 – Wednesday 18th June
Royal Ascot Day 3 – Thursday 19th June
Royal Ascot Day 4 – Friday 20th June
Royal Ascot Day 5 – Saturday 21st June
It’s never too early to register your interest in joining us at Royal Ascot. As well as top class racing and the chance to catch a glimpse of the royal family, you’ll be able to take advantage of our exclusive hospitality packages.
With options on offer for groups of all sizes, reserve your place today to enjoy complimentary drinks, food and the best views of the racing action available. The Gold Cup traditionally takes place on the third day, but you’ll be able to see world class Group 1 action whatever day you decide to join us.
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