Here is the racing calendar for 2022 – fixtures to watch out for and mark down so you don’t miss them!
Towards the end of each year, the British Horseracing Authority publishes the following year’s fixture list, so that we can plan not just for today’s horse race betting – but we can plan for the whole of the following year. Next year, we can expect around 1,482 fixtures and here we take a look at the best and most exciting festivals and meetings to look forward to in 2022.
Cheltenham Festival (15th – 18th March)
The first major event on the 2022 calendar is the Cheltenham Festival which attracts audiences of over a quarter of a million every single year – and is always one of the top ten most popular UK sporting events on the calendar.
The Cheltenham Festival really tests a horse’s athletic prowess – it is a showcase of the sport’s best jumpers – and can create legends. Each year, the Festival takes place in the middle of March and runs over four days,
The Scottish Grand National (2nd April)
The Scottish Grand National takes place at the start of April and attracts more than 20,000 people as they head to Ayr to watch one of Scotland’s biggest horse racing events, featuring 28 stayers.
The Grand National Festival (7th – 9th April)
The Grand National was first run in 1839 and has always been the most famous Chase in the world. Each year, 40 horses tackle 30 fences over four miles to be crowned champion. This has a huge audience and is the best time for horse racing betting!
Guineas Festival (29th April – 1st May)
At the end of April comes the Guineas Festival that attracts top trainers, jockeys and owners who all face off at the first of Newmarket’s two Classics of the British Flat racing season. This is the Heath where fans of racing can witness the rising of two new stars that run and win the 1000 and 2000 Guineas races.
Derby Festival (3rd – 4th June)
Heading into the summer months we have the Derby Festival, which was first run back in 1780. This is undoubtedly the most coveted prize in the sport of horse racing. The Festival consists of not just the Derby, but there is also the Oaks, which is the fillies’ equivalent. It also includes the Coronation Cup for the older horses.
Royal Ascot (14th – 18th June)
The Royal Ascot takes place over 5 days and is the biggest event in the English Flat summer season. It is attended by the highest members of society, including the Royals and consists of over 15 Group races. This traditional race goes back to the 1700s and attracts thousands every single year.
Glorious Goodwood (26th – 30th July)
Glorious Goodwood has been around since 1801 and has retained its British charm. It is played out over the course of five days and has numerous races of different distances, including the Stewards cup for sprinters and the Goodwood Cup for the stayers
Ebor Festival (17th – 20th August)
The Ebor Stakes is run over four days and consists of the famous Group 1 Juddmonte Stakes. However, with other races such as The Nunthorpe Stakes, the Yorkshire Oaks, and the Ebor (Britain’s richest handicap), this is an unmissable fixture.
St Leger Festival (7th – 10th September)
St Leger race is a test of staying power, run over the course of 1m 6f and 132 yards. It is the oldest classic in the world – with the final race of the festival combining the best male and female horses.
King George VI Chase (26th December)
The biggest of the Christmas Racing fixtures is King George VI Chase – one of the most historic jump races on the calendar. It is packed with action and an excellent end to the horse racing year.
That concludes this Racing Calendar for 2022.
