Horse racing and betting are inextricably linked and have been throughout the entire history of the sport. Millions of punters bet on UK horse races every year, both online and at the many iconic British racecourses. Here, you can find out about some of the horse racing big events that are set thrill punters in 2021.
Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is UK horse racing’s iconic spring event, taking place in March each year. In 2021, the festival will run from March 16 to March 19. Sharp-eyed readers will notice that those dates include St Patrick’s Day, which is appropriate given how popular this event is with visitors from Ireland.
This National Hunt event always attracts many of the biggest names in British and Irish horse racing. Day one of the 2021 event includes the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a race that is sure to attract plenty of attention from punters. Day two and day three are sure to offer some thrills too, with the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase on the schedule.
Day four is when the festival’s main event takes place – the Wellchild Cheltenham Gold Cup. This race remains one of the highlights of the UK horse racing calendar. The Cheltenham Festival really is certainly up there when it comes to naming the top horse racing event 2021 can provide.
Grand National Meeting at Aintree
Another iconic British race is the Grand National. This endurance test for horses takes place at Aintree racecourse, near Liverpool, and is scheduled to take place from April 8 to April 10 in 2021. While the Grand National itself is the main event, there are other races taking place that are sure to offer great entertainment as well as superb betting action.
Thursday, April 8 is NHS Day at the meeting, while Friday, April 9 is Ladies’ Day, so there are opportunities to dress up and look good as well as bet. Saturday is when the Grand National itself takes place, and millions all over Britain and Ireland will have a punt on the result.
Royal Ascot 2021
Royal Ascot 2021 is another great British horse racing event that will thrill punters and spectators in June. Running from Tuesday, June 15 until Saturday, June 19, horses, jockeys, and owners will compete to win a share of the £8 million prize money on offer.
As well as the great races, which include the Gold Cup, there is a whole lot else going on at the racecourse during the festival. Communal singing around the bandstand, a royal procession, and plenty of fine hospitality add to the unique flavour of this iconic celebration.
St Leger Festival at Doncaster
This festival in Yorkshire is considered the highlight of the British flat racing season. It is a great horse racing event for 2021 and begins on day one with the Leger Legends Day when retired jockeys get their breeches back on and ride in a charity race.
Day two is Ladies’ Day, and includes the Silk Series Final, a race exclusively for female jockeys. Day three is Gentleman’s Day, and includes the Doncaster Cup in its race schedule. Day four is St Leger Day when the event’s iconic race takes place. The St Leger always attracts the top flat racing horses and it has produced some truly memorable races over the years.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great horse racing events lined up for UK punters in 2021. The horse racing fixtures 2021 provides are sure to thrill and excite punters, even with the spectre of COVID-19 limiting spectator attendance. UK horse racing continues to provide punters with superb events to enjoy.
Horse Racing Events 2021 FAQs
- What is the next big horse racing event?
There is a series of big horse racing events that take place every year so there is always another one on the way. The biggest event in spring 2021 is the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place in March. The Grand National at Aintree follows up quickly in April 2021.
- What are the dates for the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown is three American races that take place in May and June in 2021. The three races that make up the Triple Crown are the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
- Is horse racing a dying industry?
While COVID-19 may have negatively affected the horse racing industry, there is no sign yet that it is dying. The sheer number of iconic races taking place in the UK in 2021 is a sure sign that horse racing is in good health!
