Is There a Strong Horse Racing Culture in Surrey?

Surrey is located in South East England, bordered by Hampshire and Berkshire to the west, East and West Sussex to the south, Kent to the east, and Greater London to the northeast.

Although it is relatively close to London, the ceremonial county is known for its lush green sprawling countryside, and many agree it’s the perfect location for horse racing events.

In fact, Surrey is home to some of the UK’s most prestigious horse racecourses, which is why there is such a strong horse racing culture here. Let’s dive straight in to discover which iconic horse racing venues call Surrey home.

How many horse racecourses are there in Surrey?

There are currently four major horse racecourses in Surrey, England (correct as of 2024), and many other iconic racecourses surround the county close to its borders with other counties.

Three racecourses in Surrey are dual-purpose, meaning they are ideal for hosting both flat and jump racing events. The other Surrey racecourse, and possibly the most important of all, is for Flat racing events only.

A total of eight Grade I events over the jumps, two Classics (Flat), and four Group One races hosted annually in Britain are held at one of these four racecourses.

These races often feature on today’s most trusted Cheltenham betting sites, and much of the action is streamed live on television or on certain reputable sports streaming websites.

Which UK horse racecourses can be found in Surrey?

If you plan on having a day at the races the next time you visit Surrey, the four major racecourses that you may want to visit are the following iconic venues:
1. Epsom Downs – which is home to the famous Epsom Derby and Oaks
2. Sandown – a top racing venue for Group 1 and Grade 1 events
3. Kempton Park – this dual purpose track hosts major Grade I races during winter (including Boxing Day racing). The Polytrack surface Flat course makes it perfect for winter racing
4. Lingfield Park – another dual-purpose, all-weather racecourse, hosting major events like the Winter Derby and Classic trials

What are the biggest horse racing events still to come in Surrey in 2024?

Plenty of major horse races are still to come in Surrey throughout 2024, so if you plan on attending the races in Surrey, don’t forget to add some of these dates to your calendar.

You have two important Jumps races at Sandown in April, including the Gold Cup and Celebration Chase. Also at Sandown in April are the Mile and Classic Trial Flat races. There’s also the Blue Riband Flat race at Epsom in the same month.

As we move into May, we have the Oaks Trial and the Derby Trial (both Flat races) at Lingfield, and then in late May / early June, at Epsom Downs, it’s the Coronation Cup and The Oaks.

The Epsom Derby (Flat) and the Epsom Dash (also Flat) are also in June. You then have the Eclipse Stakes (Flat) in July at Sandown and the Solario Stakes (Flat) at Sandown in August.

Honourable mentions

If that’s not enough to keep you going, you can also look forward to the September Stakes (Flat) at Kempton Park. You then have to wait until December for more racing, also at Kempton Park. The major December races here are the Christmas Hurdle, the King George VI Chase, and the Tingle Creek Chase.

Final thoughts

Whether you live close to Surrey in neighbouring Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, or London, or much further afield in East Anglia, the Midlands, or up North, Surrey is relatively easy to get to, whether you are travelling by car, train, bus, or any other mode of transport.

However, before attending any major races, always book your tickets in advance instead of just turning up and trying to get tickets on the day.