Horse racing fans, or just those who enjoy a day at the races, are fortunate to have some of the best racecourses in the world on their doorsteps in Mayfair. These venues offer the best hospitality in the sport, while the action on the track is just as good.
Here is a look at these racecourses in more detail and what makes them so special.
Ascot
Royal Ascot in Ascot is a meeting firmly fixed into many people’s social diaries. The five-day event brings the best horse racing and fashion together. It is rich in heritage, and it is supported by the royal family.
Ascot do fine dining better than any other racecourse in the UK. They have Michelin-starred chefs preparing the food, with options available for a sit-down meal or something more informal. It is the ideal sports venue for those looking for luxury and prestige.
There is a range of hospitality packages you can book from a seat in one of the award-winning restaurants or a private box on the main grandstand. All these options provide you with the best view of the racing on the track.
The biggest day of the year is Ladies’ Day, which is on day three of Royal Ascot on the Thursday. The feature race is the Ascot Gold Cup. It was won in 2024 by Kyprios, who became a two-time winner of the stayers’ contest. He will likely return in 2025 bidding to complete a hat-trick in the race.
Ascot is one of the racecourses in the UK that stages both Flat and National Hunt meetings. The two codes ensure there is racing throughout the calendar year. It attracts the best trainers and horses, while prize money is some of the highest in Europe.
Goodwood
Situated in West Sussex, Goodwood Racecourse is a beautiful, picturesque venue that is enjoyed by many racegoers. Their highlight of the year is Glorious Goodwood in the summer. The five-day Flat meeting attracts some of the leading horses in the world.
One of the feature races at Glorious Goodwood is the Sussex Stakes. It is a Group One contest run over the distance of one mile. It takes place on the second day of the meeting, and it is often the first time we see the best three-year-olds in the sport take on the older horses in a clash of generations.
Goodwood is one of the best racecourses in the UK for ensuring owners in the sport have a great experience. As an owner, you will enjoy a meal before racing and you will have access to areas of the course that the public cannot enter.
Some people enjoy going to Glorious Goodwood as the owner of a horse, as this gives them an even greater experience at the track. Many choose to do so with syndicates, as this ensures they can get involved in multiple horses at the same time. Those who are looking at the options for 2025 will be considering purchasing shares in Treasure Time horse. He finished fifth in his race at Glorious Goodwood in 2024 in what was an excellent run for his owners. The William Haggas-trained runner may return to the meeting next season as he bids for success at one of the biggest weeks of the year in Flat racing.
Epsom
The Derby at Epsom is the most famous Flat contest in the world. Such is the prestige and history of this race, many other countries across the globe have imitated the contest to have their own respective Derby (French Derby, Irish Derby, Japanese Derby, etc).
Epsom is just 18 miles away from central London, so Derby Day is a regular for many fans of the sport. If you do book a spot in the racecourse’s restaurant or hire a private box for the day, you will have a stunning view of Epsom Downs, showcasing why this is such a unique racecourse.
In 2024, those in attendance saw something special as City Of Troy produced a mesmerising performance in the Derby to get the better of the leading three-year-olds in Europe. He has been described as one of the best racehorses in history and it was his victory in the Derby that will always standout on his race record.
Enjoy your next luxurious visit to one of the above three racecourses. Hopefully, you have a day to remember, and it will leave you wanting to return.
