Local Horse Racing Fixtures 2025

Few sports events match the fun, excitement, and spectacle of horse racing, and we are lucky to have not one, not two, but three fabulous racecourses virtually on our doorstep. This makes sense since Middleham in Bedale, only a short drive away, is home to several racing stables.

Whether you are looking for an elegant day out with an excuse to dress up and sip champagne, or seeking a more family-friendly outing, there is something for everyone at our local races.   The atmosphere is always vibrant and there is a sense of anticipation and camaraderie amongst racegoers, whilst the magnificent horses are a sight to behold, beautifully turned out with coats shining with health and vitality as they are led around the paddock by their owners, with gaily clad jockeys atop them, a riot of colour in their silks. 

Witnessing muscular thoroughbreds thundering down the course with the crowd yelling them on excitedly is an experience not to be missed.  Betting is not necessary, and even if you do choose to do so, it doesn’t need to be expensive.  A pound on the nose of a horse that looks good in the paddock always gives an extra thrill to the race.  Plus a day at the races provides ample opportunity for networking and socialising, making it an excellent option for organisations wishing to reward employees with a fun day out. 

Meetings are not solely reserved for seasoned race-goers.  All our local courses offer family days with activities for younger children, whilst for couples looking for an excuse to dress up and channel their inner Kardashian, Ladies' days are superb fun, allowing you to dress up, drink champagne, and soak up the atmosphere whilst wandering around the course.  Whether you take advantage of the onsite food or bring your own delicious picnic, you will surely have a wonderful time.  With courses at York, Wetherby and Ripon, you are sure to find a meeting that you will enjoy. 

Racing at Ripon
Ripon, known as the Garden Racecourse, is just twenty minutes drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages.  The season opens with two fixtures in April, on the 17th and 26th, the latter being an afternoon meet.

For those who prefer to attend the races in the evening, there are fixtures on 9th May, 4th and 18th June, plus 7th and 29th July.

Ladies Day takes place on 19 June as part of a two-day racing fixture, with the remaining fixtures being afternoon events.

Perhaps the largest meet of the year is the William Hill Great St Wilfred meet on 16 August.   This is a prestigious six furlong Handicap race which attracts some of the country’s top sprinters. 

On 27th September, the Racecourse will be supporting local charity Ripon Community House via a Harvest Festival Initiative – racegoers are encouraged to bring along a food donation and drop it in at one of the collection points to support the amazing work they do.

Click the link to view the entire 2025 fixture list for Ripon.  
 
Racing at Wetherby.
This course is such a fun one to attend and has both National Hunt and Flat Racing.  National Hunt is particularly exciting.  Standing alongside one of the fences as these majestic creatures thunder up to the fence and sail over with the jockeys encouraging them, is a sight to behold.  The course is a 30 minute drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages and hosts several meetings which support charitable causes.   Friday, 28 March, is “Wear a Hat” day, raising funds for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, whilst the opening meeting on 15 October supports Spinal Research.  The meeting on 15 November is the “Peak Cap and Pearls Raceday”, which supports the CIU National Charity. 

This course has a pre-Christmas meet on 6 December where Christmas Jumpers are encouraged plus a Christmas meet with a two-day event running on 26 and 27 December.  Although you need to wrap up warmly, the atmosphere at this post-Christmas race meeting is electric, and it is, for many local people, a Christmas tradition.  The pie and peas are rather good too. 

For the perfect flat race experience, there is evening racing on 2 June and 19 June, the former being a ladies meeting and, therefore, perfect for dressing up in your finest frock. 

To check out the whole fixture list –  this racecourse does have fixtures all year round – just click here.
 
York Races
York is perhaps the most prestigious course in the group. It is around a 45-minute drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages, and is most frequently visited by Royalty. It also hosts concerts during the summer. This course is flat racing only, and the facilities are absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a meeting that will allow you to dress up and swan around with champagne in hand, this is the one to choose.   Keep an eye out for members of the royal family as well as famous faces from stage and screen. 

Fixtures run from May to October, with the Dante Festival kicking off the season.  This fixture runs over three days from 14 – 16 May inclusive.

The  June meeting takes place on 13 and 14 June and includes the 54th Macmillan Charity Raceday on the second day. 

The John Smiths Cup Meet takes place on 11 and 12 July. 

For those who love their music, there is plenty of excitement.  Taylor Swift is playing on 31 May alongside the William Hill Bronte Cup meeting, Olly Murs is playing on 28 June, and there is a Showcase weekend on 25 and 26 July with both racing and live music.

The famous Ebor Festival runs over four days in August from 20 to 23, inclusive, with the Thursday being Ladies Day. If you are planning to attend York Races, this is definitely the day to bring out your inner Kardashian.

The season finale will be a two-day event on 10 and 11 October.   You can check out the full programme here.
 
After a day filled with exhilarating races and a vibrant atmosphere, retreat to our elegant Camberley Cottages, where you can unwind after an exciting day, count your winnings and relive the highlights of a truly fabulous day out.  The Cottages make an ideal base for exploring not only the racecourses in the area but also the wonderful landscapes and activities that are available close by.  Whether you choose some local ingredients at the local deli and whip up a feast, order in, or take advantage of one of the many delightful eating establishments in Harrogate, we are sure you will find yourself reliving the highlights of your stay for many weeks to come. 
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Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or a first-time attendee, our hotel and cottages provide the perfect home base for your racing experience. Book a stay with us and immerse yourself in the excitement of the races while enjoying unparalleled hospitality and comfort.