Newmarket, nestled on the borders of Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, isn’t just another stop on the British horse racing calendar—it’s the very heartbeat of it. Known as the Home of British Flat Racing, Newmarket has been hosting equestrian events since the 17th century and is home to over 3,000 racehorses, two legendary racecourses (the Rowley Mile and July Course), and iconic training grounds.
In 2025, Newmarket Racecourse is set to deliver yet another electrifying season. From world-renowned racing festivals to family-friendly fun days and glamorous fashion events, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a devoted punter, a fashion enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique day out in East England, these events offer the perfect blend of sport, style, and socialising.
Dates: April 15–17, 2025
Where: Rowley Mile Course
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
This springtime curtain-raiser sets the stage for the flat racing season. The Craven Meeting is a proving ground for up-and-coming talent, where you can catch a glimpse of potential champions before they reach household-name status.
What to Expect:
A refined crowd of early-season racegoers
Races like the Craven Stakes and Nell Gwyn Stakes
A relaxed atmosphere perfect for race fans and families
Dates: May 2–4, 2025
Where: Rowley Mile Course
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
As one of the five British Classics, the 2000 and 1000 Guineas are not just races—they are legendary. These three-year-old contests for colts and fillies, respectively, are indicators of greatness to come.
What to Expect:
World-class racing with international participants
Fashion and flair on display—especially on Ladies Day
A lively, celebratory environment with gourmet food stalls and live music
Dates: July 10–12, 2025
Where: July Course
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
This is Newmarket at its most glamorous. The July Festival blends fashion, top-tier racing, and social vibrance into one of the most elegant summer events in the UK racing scene.
What to Expect:
The prestigious Group 1 July Cup
Ladies Day—a showcase of haute couture and millinery
Champagne bars, gourmet dining, and DJ sets after the races
Dates: September 25–27, 2025
Where: Rowley Mile Course
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
This three-day meeting features the fiercely competitive bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap, a 35-runner race that demands grit and tactics. It’s one of the biggest handicaps of the season.
What to Expect:
High-stakes handicaps and Group races for two-year-olds
A more relaxed yet sport-focused crowd
Great opportunities for betting value
Dates: October 10–11, 2025
Where: Rowley Mile Course
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
This is all about the future. Many of the horses you’ll see here—particularly in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes—will go on to be next season’s stars.
What to Expect:
Rising stars in the racing world
Top trainers and owners showcasing their best young horses
Educational and family-friendly experiences around the course
Sun Chariot Day (October 4, 2025): A classy one-day event featuring the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes, a race for elite fillies and mares.
Cesarewitch Trial Day (September 20, 2025): A stepping-stone for horses targeting the historic Cesarewitch Handicap in October.
Autumn Finale Meetings (October 31 & November 1, 2025): Close out the season with two days of nostalgic racing, ideal for die-hard fans.
Newmarket Racecourse in 2025 offers a rich and varied calendar of events that truly captures the spirit of British racing. Whether you attend for the sport, the spectacle, or the social scene, each fixture provides a memorable experience in one of the most iconic settings in the world of equestrian sport.
Plan your year wisely—book early for major events like the Guineas Festival and July Cup—and take the time to enjoy not just the races, but also Newmarket’s museums, stud farms, and nearby countryside. There’s no better place to celebrate the tradition and future of racing than at Newmarket.