With the summer now in full swing, July is always an action-packed month in terms of the horse racing taking place across the UK, Ireland and France.
Let’s take a look at some of the main features and races that you will witness across the month of July.
Saturday 5th July: Eclipse & Lancashire Oaks
There are two premier fixtures for the price of one on this particular Saturday, with Sandown hosting the Eclipse Stakes and Haydock showcasing the Lancashire Oaks.
The Eclipse is Britain's first major all-aged Group 1 of the season. It has previously been won by some of the sport's greats including in recent years Sea The Stars, Golden Horn and Enable, and is sure to be a great renewal once more.
Meanwhile at Haydock Park, there will be much excitement around the participation of Estrange in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks. The exciting grey filly could further enhance her reputation as being a live Arc hope, with another big run over the 1m4f trip.
Sunday 6th July: Prix Jean Prat
The Prix Jean Prat is a Group 1 that takes place at the Deauville racecourse and is restricted to three-year-old colts and fillies. The race is contested over a distance of seven furlongs.
This year’s renewal will see Aidan O’Brien’s runners trading prominently in the horse racing betting.
Thursday 10th – Saturday 12th July: Newmarket July Meeting
The final day of The July Festival is all about the July Cup. This Group 1 race is one of the most valuable and prestigious sprint races in the world and the winner is often acknowledged to be the best sprinter in Europe.
Other feature races at this Festival include the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes (Fillies & Mares), plus the 20-strong Bunbury Cup for the seven furlong handicappers.
Sunday 13th July: Grand Prix de Paris
The Grand Prix de Paris is a Group 1 horse race open only to colts and fillies who are aged three-years-old. The race is run over one mile and four furlongs and has proved to be a key Arc trial over the years.
Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th July: Irish Oaks Weekend
Saturday is a day dedicated to the best of Irish Flat racing, led by the Group 1 Irish Oaks. The prestigious Classic is the ultimate test for three-year-old fillies, and is a race that has shaped the pedigree scene for generations.
Saturday 26th July: King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot is one of Britain's most prestigious open-age flat races. A Group 1 staged over a mile-and-a-half, the race has seen some of the most talented horses of all time lay a marker down.
Tuesday 29th July – Saturday 2nd August: Glorious Goodwood
All five days of the Goodwood Festival are known as Premier Racedays, which mean they celebrate the very best of British horseracing. With no less than 13 Group contests and three ultra-competitive Group 1’s, the feature race is the £1 million Sussex Stakes.
If you're craving the return of the National Hunt season, it might be worth checking out our latest Cheltenham odds ahead of the 2025/26 jumps campaign.
*Photo credit belongs to Alamy*
