Wales has been treated to thrilling horse racing over the summer months. But while long days and short evenings might be coming to an end, there are still plenty of big dates to look forward to in autumn and winter.
Multiple events are scheduled across Chepstow, Ffos Las, and Bangor, with thousands expected to either attend or watch from home, many of whom will be capitalising on promotions offering free bets that can be used on upcoming races. Here are some of the biggest to look forward to in the remainder of the year.
Summer Fun at the Races (27-28 August)
The end of August sees the flat season start to wind down across the UK, and those looking to enjoy the last days of summer can head to Ffos Las for two days of racing prior to the Bank Holiday weekend.
Action on the track takes centre stage, with 12 races across the Thursday and Friday after gates open in the early afternoon. But there’s plenty of entertainment, music and food to enjoy away from the track that will keep families entertained throughout the day.
Twilight Racing on the Dee (8th September)
Bangor brings down the curtain on a jam-packed summer of Welsh racing, and allows for one last evening of racing before the shift back to autumn nights. Hundreds of locals and racing fans flock to watch an evening of action in front of the Welsh hills, with several jumps events providing entertainment.
Along with being a great evening of entertainment for everyone, Twilight on the Dee also acts as a precursor for the start of the National Hunt season, which is due to properly begin in October. For those who prefer the thrills of hurdles and steeplechase over flat racing, this is an occasion where excitement for the coming months starts to build.
Welsh Racing Festival (9-11 October)
Speaking of the jump season, trainers and jockeys will head to Chepstow in early October for three days of action to kick the calendar off in Wales. Last year saw the Welsh Champion Hurdle return home for the first time since 2002, and the two-mile race headlines proceedings on Sunday 11th October.
But there are 20 other races across three days to get your teeth into before the showpiece affair, including the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle on Friday and Saturday’s Silver Trophy. With over 14,000 fans heading to Chepstow in 2025, it’s an atmosphere that’s worth making the trip for.
Listed Mares’ Trophy Day (November 11th)
As Wales heads into winter, racing heads back to Bangor for the Listed Mares’ Trophy Day for an afternoon of elite competition. The Class 1 Mares’ Race is a thrilling watch, as stayers compete over the two-mile, one-furlong distance.
Last year saw Diva Luna comfortably win the headline event, as the Ben Pauling-trained horse finished 19 lengths ahead of the field. If a similar outcome happens in 2026, it will make for spectacular viewing for those attending in North Wales.
Welsh Grand National (December 28th)
Closing out 2026 is Wales’ premier race, as the sport’s best head to Chepstow for the first Grand National of the season. First run at the course in 1949, the premier event is often an indicator of who to watch in the new year, with several going on to then record further victories at Cheltenham and Aintree.
This year’s National is set for the Bank Holiday, offering racegoers and casual fans the perfect opportunity for a day out just after the Christmas festivities. Locals will be hoping that Pembrokeshire trainer Rebecca Curtis can repeat her 2025 success, which saw Haiti Couleurs win by three lengths in front of a home crowd.