From the sun-drenched grandstands of Cape Town to the mud-splattered hills of Cheltenham. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exhilarating years in thoroughbred and jump racing. Here’s your guide to the major races on the horizon, the horses to watch. And the history that makes each event so special.

Cape Derby, 28 February 2026 | Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Cape Town.

The Cape Summer Season culminates in one of South Africa’s most anticipated Classics. A Grade 1 Cape Derby at Kenilworth Racecourse. Traditionally the season closer for three-year-olds, the Derby serves as the proving ground for the country’s most promising young horses.

Run over 2000 metres, the Derby is the highlight of a Cape racing season that has seen strong fields and standout performances from progressive three-year-olds. Happy Verse, who impressed in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas over 1600 metres, is among the early names to watch. With stamina for the extra 400 metres of the Derby trip, he is expected to be a serious contender in a tightly matched field.

Durban July, 4 July 2026 | Greyville Racecourse, Durban.

The 130th running of the Durban July returns as a defining fixture in South Africa’s racing calendar. Known as the country’s greatest horse racing event, the Durban July has been thrilling spectators since 1897.

This edition promises to maintain the race’s legendary status. It combines top-level competition, historic prestige, and the excitement that comes with a traditional handicap format. The defending champion, The Real Prince, trained by Dean Kannemeyer, will be one of the key horses to follow. The race attracts the best thoroughbreds from across the nation. The full field will be declared closer to race day, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive renewal.

Europe‘s top horse races.

Cheltenham Festival, 10–13 March 2026 | Cheltenham Racecourse, England.

The Cheltenham Festival remains the pinnacle of jump racing, held over four days in the rolling Gloucestershire countryside. With 28 Grade 1 and handicap races, it draws the finest horses from Ireland, Britain, and beyond.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the feature race on the final day. It spans three miles two and a half furlongs of demanding ground. Early favourites include Fact To File. A standout from the Willie Mullins stable, and reigning champion Inothewayurthinkin, who will attempt to defend his title. Also in the mix is Galopin Des Champs, a dual winner in 2023 and 2024. And Britain’s The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling.

Other highlight races include:

• Champion Hurdle (Day 1): Led in the market by Sir Gino, alongside unbeaten The New Lion and 2025 winner Golden Ace.
• Stayers’ Hurdle: Expected to be dominated by Teahupoo, who has won both the Hatton’s Grace and Christmas Hurdle this season, chasing a historic back-to-back title.

Grand National – 11 April 2026 | Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England.

Three weeks after Cheltenham, the Grand National takes centre stage at Aintree. Run over four miles two and a half furlongs with 30 fences, it is the world’s most famous jump race, combining stamina, jumping skill, and unpredictability.

A field of 40 horses will line up for the 2026 renewal, with several Cheltenham stars expected to contest both events. Iconic fences such as Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn ensure that no outcome is ever predictable, producing stories that endure in racing folklore.

Looking ahead to 2026.

From the three-year-old classics of Cape Town to the world-class drama of Cheltenham and Aintree, 2026 promises a racing calendar that will thrill enthusiasts. The power, courage, and sheer unpredictability of these elite thoroughbreds make the months ahead unmissable for anyone who loves horse racing at its purest.