The Punchestown Festival closes on Saturday May 2. After it, the jump season effectively ends until October. The flat season, which has been running since March, moves into its most prestigious period. Here are the key dates and what each one means.
May 2-3 — The Guineas Festival at Newmarket
The 2000 Guineas on Saturday May 2 and the 1000 Guineas on Sunday May 3. The first two Classic races of the flat season. The Rowley Mile at Newmarket, one mile, the best three-year-old colts and fillies in training. The form produced here defines the narrative of the entire Classic season. A horse that wins the Guineas and goes on to win the Derby in June achieves something only Nijinsky has managed since 1970.
June — Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot
The Epsom Derby and Oaks run in early June on Epsom's unique undulating course. The most prestigious flat race in Britain, run since 1780. Royal Ascot follows immediately — five days, 36 races, 13 Group 1s from June 16-20. The Queen Anne Stakes, the Gold Cup, the King's Stand. The biggest week of flat racing on earth.
Late July — Glorious Goodwood
Five days on the West Sussex hilltop. The Sussex Stakes and Nassau Stakes headline a week of flat racing that consistently produces the most competitive and well-attended racing of the summer.
August — York's Ebor Festival
The Juddmonte International and the Great Voltigeur at York's Ebor Festival in August. Northern racing at its most competitive. The Ebor Handicap — one of the richest flat handicaps of the year — provides an each-way opportunity comparable to the Scottish and Grand Nationals for jump racing followers.
October — Champions Day at Ascot
QIPCO British Champions Day closes the flat season. Four Group 1 races in a single afternoon — the Champion Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the Fillies and Mares, the Long Distance Cup. The richest single day in British flat racing. Everything builds to this.
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Facts verified via web search April 24 2026.