Berkshire’s premier event can lead to something of a hangover among the racing community, but jockeys and trainers are preparing for a busy month of midsummer racing. July features some of the biggest events of the season, and several will be targeting big wins in prestigious races.
That also extends to punters, as both casual and seasoned bettors make the most of existing customer betting offers. Although Ascot is a huge draw in June, a trio of elite events the following month can sometimes offer better value. Here’s a rundown of upcoming festivals and potential value bets.
The July Festival, Newmarket, 9th – 11th July
Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Course might host the 1000 Guineas and the 2000 Guineas, but July sees horse racing take to the July Course for the July Festival. Three days of racing are scheduled from Thursday 9th until Saturday 11th for the annual July Festival, where runners battle it out on the two-mile track.
The showpiece event, the Group 1 July Cup, is shaping up to be a competitive race. Although Commonwealth Cup winner Venetian Sun is currently the clear ante-post favourite, Mission Central could be one to watch at 8/1. The Aidan O’Brien-trained three-year-old comes into the race with three wins in as many races in 2026, which bodes well.
King George Weekend, Ascot, 24th & 25th July
Ascot may have just hosted its biggest event of the year, but it won’t be long until crowds descend on the famous course once again. The King George Weekend festival sees the best middle-distance horses compete across two days, with dates in 2026 set for Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July.
All eyes will be on the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which in 2026 carries a record-breaking prize of £2 million. Last year’s race saw Calandagan claim first place in the one-mile, four-furlong race, and the five-year-old is once again considered the runner to beat.
However, Bay City Roller might fancy his chances instead, having recently beaten Calandagan in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June. Impressively, he finished 10 lengths ahead of the competition as he demolished the field. As he has also managed two second-place finishes at the Curragh and Chester, his odds of 12/1 look enticing, although he is not guaranteed to run.
Goodwood Festival, Goodwood, 28th July – 1st August
To cap a busy July and take us into late-summer racing, crowds will head to Goodwood on Tuesday 28th July. The South Downs provide a picturesque backdrop for the five-day festival, affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, with the right-handed switchback racecourse unique in comparison to other tracks on the calendar.
Goodwood is home to one of the biggest highlights of the Flat season, the Sussex Stakes, a test for milers who are three or older. Dubbed the ‘Duel on the Downs’, it is a highly competitive affair each year, with Frankel still the only horse to win the showpiece twice (2011 and 2012).
In 2026, bookmakers have Bow Echo as the early favourite, following impressive victories in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and then at Ascot. At 10/1, Notable Speech might also be one to watch, having previously won the race in 2024, as could Precise, who has been priced at 12/1. Victory in the Coronation Stakes at Ascot will build confidence ahead of a busy July.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute betting, financial or professional advice. Odds, markets and race entries may change. If you choose to gamble, please do so responsibly and only if you are aged 18 or over.