The UK has a long history with horse racing, with courses dotted up and down the country. Many are the finest in the world, showcasing the beauty of the British countryside alongside the best in hospitality. London is no exception and some of the most important meetings in the calendar are just a stone’s throw from the city. 

Epsom Derby

Also known as the Derby Stakes and currently the Cazoo Derby, the Epsom Derby is a Group 1 flat race, open to horses of 3 years and older. The race itself is one of the 5 classics, along with the 2000 Guineas and St Leger. This year’s race was won by Desert Crown, a young colt who started the race as a 5/2 favourite. In a tightly run pack, he managed to open up a clear lead on the field at the last quarter mile before romping home for the win.

The race takes place on the 1st Saturday of June each year, but you don’t just have to wait for that meeting. Epsom is a beautiful course that has races throughout the year, along with entertainment as diverse as pop-up clothing sales to casino nights. You can learn more about the UK racing calendar at Bet UK. All of the events and courses in and around London, along with the rest of the UK, are listed along with easy-to-understand odds, ideal for beginners or seasoned professionals.

King George VI Chase

Kempton Park is a short journey just outside the city in Surrey. It is unique in that it offers both flat and jump racing. This keeps it open year-round with a range of spectacular races. However, it is the Grade 1 King George VI Chase that attracts the most attention.

The Chase is open to horses of 4 years or older and plays out over a distance of 3 miles with 18 fences. Second only in the steeplechase season to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, it attracts the best jockeys and horses. Huge names such as Kauto Star and Desert Orchid are previous winners, the latter of which even has a cup named after it.

One major advantage of the course is that it even has its own train station. Connections are available from Waterloo, meaning you can ditch the car, get into your finery and fill up the picnic basket. If you do decide to drive, then onsite parking is free, and it is only a turn off the M3 motorway.

Ascot Gold Cup

The Ascot Gold Cup is part of the event that makes up the Royal Ascot meeting. This race itself takes place on Ladies’ Day, one of the most iconic events in British Racing. However, with 18 National Hunt meetings every year and 16 flat race meetings, there are plenty to choose from if you are not around for the date, usually held around the middle of June.

Travel to the course involves venturing a little outside the city but it is accessible enough that it shouldn’t cause any issues. Trains depart from Waterloo and it will take under an hour to reach your destination. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Epsom in advance and take in the beautiful town and countryside.