Horse Racing Today: Saturday 22 August 2026 Overview

Saturday racing doesn't get much better than this. With six UK tracks in action and 39 races on the card, today offers punters a full day of entertainment stretching from early afternoon right through to the evening fixtures at Kempton Park. The undisputed headline act is York, where a £600,000 top prize and a Group 1 showpiece make the Knavesmire the place to be. But don't sleep on Newbury, Cheltenham, Newcastle, Plumpton and Kempton Park — there's quality and betting interest right across the card today. Let's break it all down.

York: The Flagship Meeting

York Racecourse is the undisputed star of today's show. The Knavesmire stages a stellar seven-race card with a top prize of £600,000 and the going described as Good to Soft — the whole course has been terra spiked since the last meeting, with Home Straight readings on the Far Side registering at 6. Conditions should suit horses with a touch of class who handle a bit of cut in the ground.

The jewel in the crown is The Sky Bet City of York Stakes (Class 1, Group 1), one of the most prestigious mile contests of the entire British flat season. This race consistently attracts top-level milers and today should be no different — it's the race every punter will have circled in red. Earlier on the card, The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Class 1, Group 3) provides another elite-level contest, while The Sky Bet Melrose Handicap Stakes (Class 2) — a Heritage Handicap and GBBPLUS Race — is one of the most competitive staying handicaps of the summer and a punter's dream. Read our full York Racing Preview for in-depth selections and form analysis.

Newbury: Group Potential and Competitive Handicaps

The Berkshire track is the second-biggest meeting of the day, with seven races on Good to Firm, Good in Places ground and a top prize of £317,105. Newbury Racecourse is a fair, galloping track that tends to reward the better horses, and today's card has plenty to get excited about.

The opening feature, The Nags Head Cutting British EBF Novice Stakes (Class 4, GBB Race), will attract some well-bred juveniles with black-type ambitions — always worth watching for future stars. Later in the card, The Twyford Down Cutting Handicap Stakes (Class 4) and The Hargreaves Services PLC Handicap Stakes (Class 5) offer punters competitive betting puzzles on going that should see the ball roll along nicely. With the ground quick enough to favour speedier types, horses drawn low on the straight course could have an advantage — worth checking the draw stats before you commit. See our Newbury Racing Preview for full tips and analysis.

Cheltenham and Newcastle: Undercard Gems

Cheltenham (Flat)

Yes, you read that correctly — Cheltenham is hosting a flat meeting today, and it's a cracking one. Cheltenham Racecourse stages seven races with the going Good to Soft, Soft in Places, making it the most testing ground on offer anywhere today. The undulating nature of the course means stamina is always at a premium, and that's reflected in the key races on the card.

The Virgin Bet Chester Stakes (Class 1, Listed Race) is the headline act — Listed black-type up for grabs and a race that often throws up a horse with a big future. The Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap Stakes (Class 2) is a deep, competitive affair, while The Powells Jewellery EBF Fillies' Conditions Stakes (Class 2, GBB Race) could feature some smart fillies on the upgrade. Don't overlook Cheltenham today — the softer conditions could play into the hands of a well-handicapped improver. Our Cheltenham Racing Preview has the key angles covered.

Newcastle (Jump Racing)

While the flat dominates the summer calendar, Newcastle Racecourse keeps the jumping flag flying with six races over the sticks on Good, Good to Firm in Places ground. It's worth noting that drainage work has taken place on the chase course and inside of the hurdle course after the Water Jump — a factor worth bearing in mind for those running in the chasing events.

The key races include The Philip Wilson Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3, GBB Race), which is the most prestigious contest on the card and should attract some promising young chasers. The Celebrating National Racehorse Week Novices' Hurdle (Class 4, GBB Race) is another to note for fans of the jumps, while the Happy 80th Birthday John Lane Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) gives the next generation of jump jockeys a chance to shine. Head over to our Newcastle Racing Preview for the full lowdown.

Evening Action: Kempton Park and Plumpton

Kempton Park

Kempton Park Racecourse stages six races on the All-Weather (Standard) surface, with the first race going off at 17:10. The evening card is headed by The Pink Lady Find Your Fizz Handicap Stakes (Class 4, GBBPLUS Race), with The North Downs Hospital Handicap Stakes (Class 6) and The Advance Online Digital Media Group Handicap Stakes (Class 5) completing the key contests. The standard Polytrack surface at Kempton rewards horses who handle the synthetic surface well — draw bias and pace angles are always worth studying. Check our Kempton Park Racing Preview for our best bets.

Plumpton

Rounding out the day is Plumpton Racecourse, which hosts six flat races on Good, Good to Firm in Places ground, with the first race at 16:18. The card is highlighted by The Every Race Live On Racing TV EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Class 5, GBB Race), The Marske Fabrications and Engineering Handicap Stakes (Class 4) — which doubles as a Straight Mile Qualifier — and The Watch Racing TV Now Selling Stakes (Class 5). Plumpton's sharp, undulating track suits handy types, and the selling stakes in particular could throw up a bargain at the post-race auction. See our Plumpton Racing Preview for selections.

Today's Racing at a Glance

  • York — 7 races, Good to Soft, first race 13:50. Top prize: £600,000. Feature: City of York Stakes (Group 1)
  • Newbury — 7 races, Good to Firm (Good in Places), first race 13:34. Top prize: £317,105
  • Cheltenham — 7 races, Good to Soft (Soft in Places), first race 14:05. Top prize: £60,000. Feature: Virgin Bet Chester Stakes (Listed)
  • Newcastle — 6 races (Jump), Good to Firm in Places, first race 13:55. Top prize: £30,000
  • Plumpton — 6 races, Good to Firm in Places, first race 16:18. Top prize: £10,000
  • Kempton Park — 6 races (AW, Standard), first race 17:10. Top prize: £10,800

Summary: A Brilliant Day's Racing Awaits

Whether you're glued to the Group 1 action at York, hunting value in the Heritage Handicap, or looking for an each-way gem on the all-weather at Kempton, today's 39-race programme has something for every punter. The City of York Stakes is the race of the day — but make sure you don't miss the Listed action at Cheltenham or the promising novice chasing at Newcastle. Going conditions vary considerably across the six venues today, so always check the latest going reports before finalising your selections. Good luck, and enjoy the racing!