Horse racing fans across the globe have plenty to look forward to during the second half of the year, with the calendar packed with a host of top-class races.
They will be eagerly following the latest horse racing news to keep up-to-speed with the latest developments in Europe, North America and elsewhere.
Without further ado, read on as we preview some of the key upcoming races, starting with one of the highlights of the flat racing season in the United Kingdom.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Ascot – July 25
The 76th running of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes is shaping up to be a fierce battle between the world’s best middle-distance horses.
International raiders Calandagan and Masquerade Ball head the betting for the big race, while Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day has also been entered.
Top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has Benvenuto Cellini, Constitution River, Jan Brueghel, Lambourn and Minnie Hauk amongst 11 possible runners.
Calandagan emerged victorious last year and will be a tough nut to crack in what promises to be a thrilling renewal of Ascot’s summer showpiece.
St Leger Stakes – Doncaster – September 12
The St Leger Stakes at Doncaster has regained some of its allure in recent years, primarily due to O’Brien’s exploits in the historic race.
He has trained Continuous (2023), Jan Brueghel (2024) and Scandinavia (2025) to win the last three editions and will have a strong team this time around.
Christmas Day was an impressive winner of the Epsom Derby and has been earmarked as one of O’Brien’s prime candidates for the St Leger.
Soft ground would suit the horse and he could be a good bet at odds of 4/1 to give the Irishman his tenth success in the race.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Longchamp – October 4
The eyes of the racing world will be on France in early October as Longchamp stages the latest edition of the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Some of the best middle-distance horses in the world go head-to-head in an epic clash of the generations at the picturesque Paris racecourse.
The race has not been too kind to O’Brien in the past, with Dylan Thomas (2007) and Found (2016) the only horses he has trained to win the race.
Daryz narrowly defeated his Minnie Hawk last year and they are amongst 73 entries for 2026.
Breeders’ Cup Classic – Keeneland – October 31
Forever Young put Japanese racing on the map last year, beating defending champion Sierra Leone to win the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday at Del Mar.
He will be back to defend his crown at Keeneland this year, and is a tempting 7/1 shot in the ante-post market to get the job done.
Sovereignty will lead the challenge for the United States having missed last year’s Classic due to a fever.
The Godolphin-owned horse won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes as a three-year-old and could be tough to beat if he runs in the race.
Melbourne Cup – Flemington – November 3
The 166th running of the Melbourne Cup will once again generate massive interest in international horse racing circles.
‘The race that stops the nation’ has become a more diverse affair in recent years, with organisers opening the door to more overseas entrants.
Jamie Melham made racing history by becoming the second female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup aboard Half Yours last year.
Irish trainer Willie Mullins has made no secret of his desire to add a Melbourne Cup victory to his CV and his entries will be worth monitoring in the betting.