3 Horse Racing Events Just Outside of London

Posted on February 3, 2023

A day at the races is a social event that many people look forward to each year. Whether you are a keen horse fan or not, there is something for everyone during the day, particularly at the major meetings.

Here is a look at three of the standout events of the year in and around London.

Cheltenham Festival (March 14-17)

The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest week of the year in jumps racing. The annual meeting in March sees the best horses feature across four days. In total, there are 28 races, 14 of which are Group One, the highest level in the sport.

The feature race of the week is the Cheltenham Gold Cup where Galopin Des Champs is one of the popular Cheltenham Festival betting tips this year. He is the 13/8 favourite to win the race for Irish trainer Willie Mullins. The chaser is considered one of the most exciting horses in training, so victory in the Blue Riband event will see him fulfil his potential.

Cheltenham is less than two hours away from London Paddington on the train. If you enjoy a great atmosphere at a racecourse, you will get that at the Festival.

Derby (June 3)

The most prestigious Flat race in the UK is the Derby. It is a British Classic, and it includes the leading middle-distance three-year-old colts in the sport. In 2022, the Derby was won by Desert Crown for legendary trainer Sir Michael Stoute. He produced an excellent performance to announce himself as one of the best of his generation.

The Derby takes place at Epsom Racecourse in Surrey. Trains run from many of the leading stations in London, including London Bridge, Victoria and Waterloo, and they take no longer than 45 minutes.

Epsom is a unique racecourse, with spectators also allowed to stand in the centre of the course. Derby day attracts a big crowd and there are lots of activities taking place other than racing.

Royal Ascot (June 20-24)

If it is glitz and glamour you are looking for at a racecourse, Royal Ascot will be for you. This meeting is just as much about fashion as it is about racing. Racegoers dress up in their best attire, with best-dressed prizes on offer for those willing to enter competitions.

This meeting runs for five days between Tuesday and Saturday. Ladies’ Day takes place on the Thursday, the most popular day of the week at the Berkshire-based racecourse. It includes the Ascot Gold Cup, the biggest race of the meeting, which Kyprios won in 2022. Unlike the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot includes a Saturday, so if you can’t get a day off work in the week, you can still attend.

Trains to Ascot run from Waterloo and it takes less than an hour to get to the racecourse. With the weather often glorious, this meeting is one of the highlights of the summer for many racegoers.

Ticket and travel details for all three of the above events can be found on their official websites. You will also be able to find the dress code and more timings for the day you are looking to attend.

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