The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has published its 2026 fixture list, backed by a strategic investment plan to strengthen the sport across Britain. The fixture list reflects how the BHA and industry partners are responding to changing fan behaviour, commercial pressures and today’s available markets.
For 2026, the focus is on quality over quantity. Instead of expanding the calendar, the BHA is looking to improve sustainability, competitiveness and long-term health.
A Stable Fixture List
There will be 1,458 fixtures across Britain in 2026 – just two fewer than in 2025. This is roughly in line with recent years and reflects a deliberate choice not to over-expand while horse supply remains under pressure.
The fixtures cover Flat turf, all-weather and jump racing, providing a balanced year-round programme for owners, trainers and racegoers. The BHA has been clear that stability matters more than meaningless growth when it comes to protecting the sport’s future.
More Prize Money Where It’s Needed
The 2026 strategy includes a £77.1 million funding package, mostly through the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). Within that, there’s an extra £4.4 million in prize money going to the areas where owners have seen the weakest returns.
Much of this will support maiden, novice, and developmental races on the Flat and over jumps. Minimum prize money for these races is going up, which should help improve the economics of owning and training horses at entry level.
Protecting Britain’s Top-Level Races
While grassroots racing gets much of the attention, the BHA’s also backing Britain’s biggest races. Part of the 2026 plan includes extra funding for Pattern and Black Type races, helping ensure Britain stays competitive on the global stage.
Competition from Ireland, France, and Australia has grown steadily, both in prize money and the overall appeal of their top meetings. Without continued investment, there’s a risk Britain could lose elite horses and international runners to better-funded programmes abroad.
Strengthening rewards at the top end should help protect the prestige of Britain’s flagship races.
Practical Changes to Race Scheduling
The 2026 plan isn’t just about money. There are practical changes too, meant to make life easier for the people running the sport day to day.
One of the most noticeable shifts is a trial of earlier finishing times at certain floodlit meetings, particularly early in the year. This should help jockeys, stable staff, and racecourse teams, many of whom have raised concerns about consistently late nights and the knock-on effects for travel, recovery, and work–life balance.
2026 Fixtures
Spring Jump Highlights
The Cheltenham Festival in March is still the centrepiece of the jumps season, with four days of championship racing from the 10th to the 13th. It’s followed by the Grand National Festival at Aintree (9th–11th April), headlined by the world’s most famous steeplechase and a strong undercard of Grade 1 races.
The Flat Season and Classics
The Flat calendar picks up momentum in May with the 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Newmarket – traditionally the first real test of three-year-old talent. Early June brings the Derby and Oaks at Epsom, still the defining targets for owners, trainers and breeders.
Later in June, Royal Ascot delivers five days of top-class racing and global attention. It combines elite competition with unmatched spectacle and remains one of Britain’s strongest draws for international runners.
Summer and Autumn Showpieces
The summer peaks with Glorious Goodwood in late July and early August, featuring races like the Sussex Stakes, before attention turns to Doncaster in September for the St Leger – the final Classic of the season.
The elite Flat campaign wraps up in October with British Champions Day at Ascot, bringing together the season’s leading horses for a single, high-profile finale.