The July festival is back this week and unlike a lot of meetings this year, it will run as normal in July - keeping in fitting with its name.
However, unlike normal, there will of course be no crowds present in the stands due to the ongoing covid-19 situation. The July Festival takes place over three days at Newmarket racecourse, with the big finale taking place on the Saturday for the July Cup Group 1, which will see Golden Horde try to take his place in history having recently won the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
The racecourse is normally buzzing with a number of great horses running but this year, will be slightly quieter but not completely silent with the newly introduced rule that plus two owners per horse are allowed to attend. The Festival starts on Thursday 9th with two Group 2’s and one Group 3 race. There are a total of eight races on the card each day; five of which will be aired on terrestrial TV - ITV 4. The Thursday of the festival is also normally Ladies day and one of the best of its kind across the country with people coming from all over the country to participate in the best dressed category and of course, see the fantastic racing. In the past, prizes have included all expenses paid cruises and shopping trips! It is a must for any girls day out trips next year, with so many fantastic hotels in the area and great local restaurants offering a bubbles breakfast before racing. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or Hen party during the summer.
Day 2 of the July Festival has plenty of Group 1 action, with the Cambridge and Falmouth stakes. This day is normally Gentleman’s Day with a competition for best dressed gentleman much like Ladies Day before. Last year saw Vogue Williams DJ at the after party which takes place after racing and into the long light summer evening. Next year is sure to be a bigger and better show with even more popular names taking to the stage.
The final day of the July festival is July Cup day, this is the big day for a big race where we will see Golden Horde try to mark his place in the history books, if he won he would be among great names like Oasis Dream, now a leading stallion. Most recently among the name of greats is Harry Angel who went on to win group races in Haydock and York.
The July cup day is a great day racing and the perfect weekend getaway, come and enjoy a weekend in Newmarket with dinner after racing, a stay in one of their great country pubs or luxury hotels, there is something for everyone! Learn more about packages here