Horse Racing Today: Monday 31 August 2026 – Five Courses, 34 Races

Bank Holiday Monday delivers a cracking spread of UK racing today, with five racecourses hosting 34 races across flat and jumps action. The headline meeting is undoubtedly Pontefract, where a Listed race tops a £55,000 prize-fund card, but there is plenty to savour from the seaside hurdles at Brighton to the traditional Bank Holiday atmosphere at Cartmel. Whether you are chasing value in the handicaps or eyeing up the next big juvenile, today's card has something for every punter. Read on for your complete one-stop guide to today's UK horse racing.

Pontefract – The Headline Act (First Race 13:55)

Pontefract Racecourse takes top billing today with the richest prize fund on the card at £55,000, and the going is reported as Good, Good to Soft in places — conditions that should suit a range of horses and produce honest, competitive racing throughout the afternoon.

The jewel in the crown is The British Stallion Studs EBF Ripon Champion Two Years Old Trophy Stakes (Class 1, Listed Race), which promises to showcase the best of the juvenile generation and could have significant implications for end-of-season two-year-old rankings. Connections of any winner here will be dreaming of next season's Classics, so this is a race to watch closely for form students.

Earlier on the card, The Squadron Flyer at Aldwark Manor Estate EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 4) and The Harrogate Theatre Panto Tickets Now On-Sale Restricted Novice Stakes (Class 4) — both GBB Races for horses in Bands C and D — give lightly-raced youngsters the chance to get their careers off the mark in competitive but fair company. EBF qualifiers always attract quality entries, so expect some well-bred debutants to catch the eye. Don't miss our full Pontefract Preview for selections and race-by-race analysis.

Cartmel – Bank Holiday Atmosphere and Nursery Action (First Race 13:45)

Few settings in British racing match the charm of Cartmel Racecourse on a Bank Holiday, and today the Cumbrian track hosts a seven-race flat card worth up to £40,000 in prize money. The going is Good to Soft (GoingStick reading: 4.4), which should provide fair conditions on this unique and undulating course.

The Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival 9th-11th Oct Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 6) is a key race for two-year-old handicappers stepping into nursery company for the first time — always a fascinating puzzle for punters as exposed and unexposed juveniles collide. Meanwhile, two GBB Races add further intrigue: The Eddie & Sandra Hayward Supports Noahs Ark Charity Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 4) for Band D horses, and The Paving Fields Construction Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 4) for horses in Bands B, C and D. The GBB scheme continues to provide excellent opportunities for British-bred horses, and Cartmel's tight, turning track can throw up a surprise or two. Check out our Cartmel Preview for the best bets on the card.

Epsom Downs – Classic Venue, Quality Handicaps (First Race 13:50)

The home of the Derby is in action today as Epsom Downs Racecourse stages a seven-race flat card with a top prize of £20,000. Going conditions are Good to Soft, Good in places — perfectly manageable on the famous Downs track, though the undulations and camber will still catch out the unwary.

The Betfred 'The Classic Bookmaker' Handicap Stakes (Class 3) is the standout prize on the day, offering competitive handicap action at the highest level available on today's card at this venue. Alongside it, The Betfred 'Turbo Boost' Handicap Stakes (Class 5) provides a solid betting heat, while The Irish EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 3) — an EBF Restricted Race Qualifier and GBB Race for horses in Bands C and D — could produce a smart sort on a track that has a history of unearthing future stars. Our Epsom Downs Preview has all the angles covered.

Brighton – Bank Holiday Jumps by the Sea (First Race 14:35)

It is a rare treat to see jumps racing at Brighton Racecourse, and today's six-race hurdles card — with a top prize of £24,800 — makes for a compelling watch. The going is Good to Soft, though officials have flagged that given the forecast, conditions could ease further during the afternoon, so keep an eye on any late going updates before committing your bets.

The EWGA Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2, GBB Race) is the feature event and the most valuable race on the Brighton card, attracting a competitive field of hurdlers. The Sticky Toffee Pudding Juvenile Hurdle Race (Class 4, GBB Race) is another highlight — juvenile hurdles at this time of year are always fascinating, with many runners having recent flat form to dissect. The Campbell & Rowley Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) rounds out the key races. For tips and race-by-race analysis, see our Brighton Preview.

Southwell – All-Weather Action to Round Off the Day (First Race 13:32)

Southwell Racecourse provides the all-weather alternative today with a seven-race flat card on the Fibresand, carrying a top prize of £10,000. Crucially, punters should note that prior to this fixture the track has been cultivated to 4 inches and reinstated with a Gallop-master finish, meaning the going is officially Standard but the surface may ride differently from recent meetings — a key factor when assessing form.

The Oktoberfest 3rd and 10th October Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Class 4, GBB Race) is the race of most interest from a form perspective, with unexposed fillies always worth following on a surface that can flatter or expose a horse in equal measure. The Book the Bistro in Seasons Restaurant Handicap Stakes (Class 6) and The Winter Ladies Evening Sat 28th November Handicap Stakes (Class 5) complete the key races on a card that is first to start today. Our Southwell Preview has the full breakdown.

Today's Racing at a Glance

  • Southwell (Flat, AW): First race 13:32 | 7 races | Top prize £10,000 | Going: Standard
  • Cartmel (Flat): First race 13:45 | 7 races | Top prize £40,000 | Going: Good to Soft (4.4)
  • Epsom Downs (Flat): First race 13:50 | 7 races | Top prize £20,000 | Going: Good to Soft, Good in places
  • Pontefract (Flat): First race 13:55 | 7 races | Top prize £55,000 | Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
  • Brighton (Jumps): First race 14:35 | 6 races | Top prize £24,800 | Going: Good to Soft (may ease)

Conclusion: A Brilliant Bank Holiday Card

Monday 31 August 2026 serves up a genuinely exciting Bank Holiday feast of UK racing. Pontefract's Listed juvenile contest is the race of the day for form students and those with an eye on next season's Classics, while Cartmel's unique atmosphere and competitive nursery action make it unmissable viewing. Brighton's jumps card is a rare seasonal treat, and the all-weather at Southwell — with its freshly prepared surface — could throw up a few surprises. Whatever your preference, today's 34 races across five courses offer exceptional value and entertainment. Good luck, and as always, bet responsibly.