World Horse Racing Calendar 2026: Full Scheule, Dates, Venue, Major Events

The 2026 world horse racing calendar features major events across the globe, including the US Triple Crown races, the UK's Cheltenham Festival and Grand National, and the rich Middle Eastern and Australian events.

Here Is Full 2026 World Horse Racing Calendar Schedule

January

January 24 - Pegasus World Cup
Location: Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida.
Surface: Dirt and Turf

February

February 14 - Saudi Cup
Location: King Abdulaziz Racetrack, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Surface: Dirt
Notes: The world's richest horse race, featuring top international dirt contenders.

March

March 13 - Cheltenham Gold Cup
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire, England
Surface: Turf (Jump)
Notes: The premier event of the Cheltenham Festival and the championship race of British jump racing.

March 28 - Dubai World Cup
Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE
Surface: Dirt
Notes: The richest race in the UAE and a major international racing finale.

April

April 11 - Grand National
Location: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England
Surface: Turf (Jump)
Notes: The world's most famous steeplechase and a major British sporting event.

May

May 2 - Kentucky Derby
Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Surface: Dirt
Notes: The first leg of the American Triple Crown for three-year-olds.

May 16 - Preakness Stakes
Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Surface: Dirt
Notes: The second leg of the American Triple Crown.

June

June (TBD) - Belmont Stakes
Location: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
Surface: Dirt
Notes: The third and final leg of the American Triple Crown.

June (TBD) - Epsom Derby
Location: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey, England
Surface: Turf
Notes: The most prestigious British Classic race for three-year-olds.

June (TBD) - Royal Ascot Gold Cup
Location: Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, England
Surface: Turf
Notes: The feature race of Royal Ascot week, a major test of stamina.

October

October (TBD) - Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Location: Longchamp Racecourse, Paris, France
Surface: Turf
Notes: Europe's most prestigious and valuable middle-distance turf race.

October (TBD) - The Everest
Location: Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, Australia
Surface: Turf
Notes: The world's richest turf race, featuring Australia's top sprinters.

November

November 3 - Melbourne Cup
Location: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Turf
Notes: "The race that stops a nation," Australia's most famous handicap race.

November (TBD) - Breeders' Cup World Championships
Location: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, San Diego, California, USA
Surface: Dirt & Turf
Notes: The premier championship event of North American thoroughbred racing, featuring multiple grade 1 races.

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