Horses for courses
Giddy up for a great day out as racing season picks up the pace at Newmarket and Huntingdon Racecourses
The Rowley Mile is the place to be for the first weekend of May, as the QIPCO Guineas Festival gets underway with three days of world-class flat racing.
These historic races – QIPCO 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas – trace their roots back to the 19th century, and today have evolved into an incredible spectacle involving live entertainment and an infectious atmosphere.
Once the action has finished, Capital Radio’s Chris Stark will be performing live to ensure you’re left dancing the night away after a memorable day’s racing.
Best of all, the bank holiday weekend lets you unleash your night owl!
The next date for your Newmarket diary is The Spring Meeting featuring the Spring Revival Weekend at the Rowley Mile, from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May.
With afternoon racing taking place on all three days, the event is perfect for some family-friendly fun, including a chance to marvel at Suffolk Punch horses, see original 1930s planes in the Garden Enclosure and enjoy mini Land Rover experiences for children.
Meanwhile, over at Huntingdon Racecourse on 21 May, it’s time to gather the girls for Ladies Night.
At this exclusive event, the racing is just one side of the true spectacle, as spot prizes will be handed out on the night for the best-dressed.
Just a few days later on Monday 27 May, prepare for a day jam-packed with family entertainment in the Summer Carnival Finale.
The ideal day out for the summer half-term, a line-up of activities is waiting in the wings – from Shetland pony racing to magic shows, bouncy castles and carnival games. Pack your picnic and any well-behaved pooches!
Back in Newmarket, 21 June marks the beginning of 2024’s Newmarket Nights series.
This year’s line-up is a guaranteed hit, with DJ Pete Tong kicking things off with his Ibiza Classics, accompanied by a staggering 65-piece orchestra. Setting the soundtrack of the summer after evening racing, the roster continues with JLS (28 June), the return of Busted (19 July), James Arthur (2 August) and the Brit Award-winning songstress Becky Hill (9 August).
The programme concludes with one of Scotland’s most successful musical exports Deacon Blue on 16 August.
But before then, there’s a host of racing dates to add to your diary, beginning with the Summer Celebration on the July Course on 22 June.
The July Festival then gets underway with the defining pinnacle of the summer racing season: Ladies Day starting 11 July. Kicking three days of racing off in style, this year will see the return of the Sustainable Style Awards.
Take note – last year’s winner won over £6,000 worth of prizes, so get planning your outfit now! From Thursday to Saturday, the festival follows Group racing, with the feature race – Group One July Cup – taking place on the Saturday.
Considered one of the most prestigious sprint races in the world, horses will travel from across the globe to stake their claim over its six furlongs.
Equally nail-biting, Friday holds the Group One Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes for fillies and mares, where the top three-year-old fillies have a high-profile chance to test themselves against their older rivals.
After this adrenaline-fuelled event, a rich programme of Summer Saturdays and Afternoon Racing lies in store.
Don’t delay; book your tickets for a heart-racing summer today!
For more information and to book, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk
