Horse Racing In November

Horse Racing in November 2026: UK Fixtures, Major Races & Meetings

November is when British jump racing moves firmly into the spotlight.

Cheltenham stages its three-day November Meeting, Haydock hosts the Grade 1 Betfair Chase and Newbury closes the month with Coral Gold Cup Weekend. Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle provides another Grade 1 target, while important meetings at Aintree, Exeter, Wincanton, Ascot and other courses add depth to the programme.

There is still Flat racing too. Doncaster stages its final Flat meeting early in the month, while all-weather racing continues throughout November at Kempton, Newcastle, Southwell, Wolverhampton, Lingfield and Chelmsford.

The complete November 2026 fixture list is below, followed by the races and meetings that matter most.

For information on individual tracks, locations and facilities, see our UK Racecourses guide.

UK Horse Racing Fixtures November 2026

The scheduled British horse racing fixtures for November 2026 are:

DateRacecourseCodeSurface
1/11/2026CarlisleJumpTurf
1/11/2026HuntingdonJumpTurf
2/11/2026FakenhamJumpTurf
2/11/2026PlumptonJumpTurf
2/11/2026SouthwellJumpTurf
2/11/2026WolverhamptonFlatAWT
2/11/2026Chelmsford CityFlatAWT
3/11/2026WarwickJumpTurf
3/11/2026SedgefieldJumpTurf
3/11/2026Lingfield ParkJumpTurf
3/11/2026WolverhamptonFlatAWT
4/11/2026ChepstowJumpTurf
4/11/2026MusselburghFlatTurf
4/11/2026NottinghamFlatTurf
4/11/2026Kempton ParkFlatAWT
5/11/2026LudlowJumpTurf
5/11/2026NewburyJumpTurf
5/11/2026NewcastleJumpTurf
5/11/2026SouthwellFlatAWT
5/11/2026Chelmsford CityFlatAWT
6/11/2026ExeterJumpTurf
6/11/2026Fontwell ParkJumpTurf
6/11/2026HexhamJumpTurf
6/11/2026NewcastleFlatAWT
7/11/2026AintreeJumpTurf
7/11/2026DoncasterFlatTurf
7/11/2026KelsoJumpTurf
7/11/2026WincantonJumpTurf
7/11/2026SouthwellFlatAWT
8/11/2026Ffos LasJumpTurf
8/11/2026Sandown ParkJumpTurf
9/11/2026CarlisleJumpTurf
9/11/2026Kempton ParkJumpTurf
10/11/2026HuntingdonJumpTurf
10/11/2026Lingfield ParkJumpTurf
11/11/2026AyrJumpTurf
11/11/2026Bangor-on-DeeJumpTurf
11/11/2026WarwickJumpTurf
12/11/2026HerefordJumpTurf
12/11/2026Market RasenJumpTurf
12/11/2026TauntonJumpTurf
13/11/2026SouthwellJumpTurf
13/11/2026SedgefieldJumpTurf
13/11/2026CheltenhamJumpTurf
14/11/2026CheltenhamJumpTurf
14/11/2026UttoxeterJumpTurf
14/11/2026WetherbyJumpTurf
14/11/2026WindsorJumpTurf
15/11/2026CheltenhamJumpTurf
15/11/2026Fontwell ParkJumpTurf
16/11/2026ExeterJumpTurf
16/11/2026PlumptonJumpTurf
16/11/2026WolverhamptonFlatAWT
17/11/2026LeicesterJumpTurf
17/11/2026CarlisleJumpTurf
17/11/2026SouthwellFlatAWT
18/11/2026Ffos LasJumpTurf
18/11/2026HexhamJumpTurf
18/11/2026Kempton ParkFlatAWT
19/11/2026WarwickJumpTurf
19/11/2026Lingfield ParkFlatAWT
19/11/2026WincantonJumpTurf
19/11/2026NewcastleFlatAWT
20/11/2026AscotJumpTurf
20/11/2026Catterick BridgeJumpTurf
20/11/2026ChepstowJumpTurf
20/11/2026WolverhamptonFlatAWT
21/11/2026AscotJumpTurf
21/11/2026Haydock ParkJumpTurf
21/11/2026HuntingdonJumpTurf
21/11/2026Lingfield ParkFlatAWT
21/11/2026NewcastleFlatAWT
22/11/2026Lingfield ParkFlatAWT
22/11/2026ExeterJumpTurf
23/11/2026Kempton ParkJumpTurf
23/11/2026LudlowJumpTurf
23/11/2026WolverhamptonFlatAWT
23/11/2026NewcastleFlatAWT
24/11/2026WincantonJumpTurf
24/11/2026Lingfield ParkFlatAWT
24/11/2026SouthwellJumpTurf
24/11/2026WolverhamptonFlatAWT
25/11/2026NewcastleFlatAWT
25/11/2026HerefordJumpTurf
25/11/2026WetherbyJumpTurf
25/11/2026Kempton ParkFlatAWT
26/11/2026Market RasenJumpTurf
26/11/2026Lingfield ParkJumpTurf
26/11/2026TauntonJumpTurf
26/11/2026Chelmsford CityFlatAWT
27/11/2026DoncasterJumpTurf
27/11/2026MusselburghJumpTurf
27/11/2026NewburyJumpTurf
27/11/2026SouthwellFlatAWT
28/11/2026Bangor-on-DeeJumpTurf
28/11/2026DoncasterJumpTurf
28/11/2026NewburyJumpTurf
28/11/2026NewcastleJumpTurf
28/11/2026SouthwellFlatAWT
29/11/2026CarlisleJumpTurf
29/11/2026LeicesterJumpTurf
30/11/2026AyrJumpTurf
30/11/2026Kempton ParkFlatAWT
30/11/2026PlumptonJumpTurf
30/11/2026WolverhamptonFlatAWT

For the complete annual programme, see our 2026 horse racing fixtures.

Biggest Horse Racing Meetings in November 2026

November has important jumps meetings throughout the month, rather than a single dominant festival.

Cheltenham’s November Meeting on 13, 14 and 15 November is one of the month’s focal points. The Paddy Power Gold Cup takes place on the Saturday and the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle follows on Sunday.

Haydock then stages the Betfair Chase on Saturday 21 November.

The final weekend is particularly strong. Newbury hosts Coral Gold Cup Weekend on 27 and 28 November, while Newcastle stages the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on Saturday 28 November.

There is plenty of significant racing before those meetings too, including Haldon Gold Cup Day at Exeter and an important early-November fixture at Aintree.

November Is Not the Start of the National Hunt Season

November is sometimes described as the start of the National Hunt season, but that is misleading.

Jump racing takes place in Britain before November, including throughout parts of the summer and at major courses during October.

What changes in November is the strength and prominence of the programme.

More leading hurdlers and chasers return from their summer breaks. Grade 1 races begin appearing regularly, established championship contenders start their campaigns and attention increasingly turns towards the major winter meetings.

By November, the Flat turf season is also reaching its conclusion.

That makes the month feel like a transition point even though jump racing itself has already been under way for some time.

Haldon Gold Cup Day – 6 November 2026

Exeter stages Haldon Gold Cup Day on Friday 6 November.

The Haldon Gold Cup is an established early-season chase and regularly attracts good two-mile and intermediate-distance chasers.

Exeter provides a demanding test. Its undulating nature and stiff finish can expose a horse that lacks fitness on its first run of the campaign.

That makes previous performances after a break particularly useful.

A horse with an established record when fresh may deserve greater confidence than one that historically needs a run before reaching peak condition.

Ground is another important consideration. November weather can produce testing conditions, although bettors should use the actual going rather than assuming Exeter will automatically be soft.

Our horse racing going guide explains the standard descriptions and how different surfaces can affect performance.

Aintree – 7 November 2026

Aintree stages jump racing on Saturday 7 November.

The fixture provides an early-season opportunity to see established jumpers and developing horses at one of Britain’s most important National Hunt venues.

Aintree requires some care when analysing course form because it contains two very different jumping tests.

The Mildmay Course uses conventional fences, while the Grand National course uses the distinctive fences associated with the Grand National.

A horse’s previous Aintree form therefore needs context. Running well over conventional fences does not automatically demonstrate suitability for the National course, and the reverse is also true.

The 2026 programme also includes the Grade 2 Molyneux Hurdle, which has moved from Wincanton.

Badger Beer Chase Day – 7 November 2026

Wincanton also stages an important jumps card on Saturday 7 November.

The Badger Beer Handicap Chase is one of the track’s best-known races.

As a handicap, the race needs a different analytical approach from a conditions chase.

A horse’s current Official Rating determines its weight relative to its rivals, so recent form needs to be considered alongside its handicap mark.

A runner dropping in the ratings is not automatically well handicapped. The important question is whether it retains enough ability to take advantage of the lower mark.

Our horse racing handicap ratings page explains how Official Ratings change, while our broader handicapping guide covers how handicap races work.

Cheltenham November Meeting – 13 to 15 November 2026

The November Meeting takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026.

It is Cheltenham’s second meeting of the 2026/27 season following The Showcase in October.

The three days are:

  • Friday 13 November: Countryside Day.
  • Saturday 14 November: Super Saturday, featuring the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
  • Sunday 15 November: Carnival Sunday, featuring the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.

The meeting is important because it gives horses another opportunity to race at Cheltenham before the winter programme develops.

Course experience can be valuable here.

Cheltenham is left-handed, undulating and has a stiff uphill finish. Horses need to jump efficiently while maintaining enough energy for the closing stages.

A strong performance in November does not guarantee success at the Cheltenham Festival the following March, but it can provide useful evidence that a horse handles the course.

Paddy Power Gold Cup – 14 November 2026

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the feature race on the Saturday of Cheltenham’s November Meeting.

It is a valuable handicap chase over an intermediate distance.

The race attracts established handicappers alongside horses that may still be progressing.

That creates an interesting ratings puzzle.

An improving chaser can have more ability than its current handicap mark fully reflects, while an experienced runner may have dropped to a rating from which it previously produced strong form.

Neither situation should be considered in isolation.

Look at the horse’s jumping, current form, course record, likely pace, going and whether its handicap mark accurately reflects its present ability.

Cheltenham form is particularly relevant because the course presents a distinctive test.

Greatwood Handicap Hurdle – 15 November 2026

The Greatwood Handicap Hurdle is one of the highlights of the final day of Cheltenham’s November Meeting.

It is a competitive handicap hurdle and has regularly featured horses capable of progressing into stronger company later in the season.

Handicap hurdle form can be difficult to interpret because relatively small changes in rating alter the weight a horse carries.

Improving younger hurdlers can be particularly interesting when they have not yet shown the full extent of their ability.

Previous Cheltenham experience also provides useful evidence.

The pace of a large-field hurdle can differ considerably from smaller races, so bettors should look at how a horse achieved its previous results rather than relying solely on finishing positions.

Ascot November Racing – 20 and 21 November 2026

Ascot switches firmly into jumps mode with racing on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November.

Ascot is often associated with Royal Ascot and top-level Flat racing, but its jumps course provides a substantial test during the winter.

The track is galloping and its finish can become demanding, particularly when conditions are testing.

The Saturday card provides another opportunity to assess established hurdlers and chasers as the winter programme strengthens.

Form from Ascot can also become relevant later in the season when the course stages further major National Hunt fixtures.

Betfair Chase – 21 November 2026

The Betfair Chase takes place at Haydock Park on Saturday 21 November 2026.

It is a Grade 1 chase and one of the first major tests of the season for established staying chasers.

The race was first run in 2005 and quickly became an important part of the British jumps calendar.

Kauto Star became particularly associated with the race, winning it four times.

Haydock in November can produce a serious stamina test when the ground becomes soft or heavy, but conditions should never be assumed in advance.

A horse’s ability to cope with the actual going matters more than Haydock’s reputation for testing winter ground.

The Betfair Chase also gives the first strong indication of how some leading staying chasers have returned from their summer break.

What Does the Betfair Chase Tell Us About the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

The Betfair Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup are very different races.

Haydock is flatter than Cheltenham and the Gold Cup is staged much later in the season.

A horse can perform strongly in November without reproducing that form the following March.

Even so, the Betfair Chase is an important early marker because it attracts horses competing in the staying-chase division.

The useful questions are not simply whether a horse won or lost.

Look at how well it jumped, whether it travelled comfortably, how it finished and whether the race conditions played to its strengths.

Those details can provide more information than the finishing position alone.

Coral Gold Cup Weekend – 27 and 28 November 2026

Newbury stages Coral Gold Cup Weekend on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November.

Friday is headed by the Long Distance Hurdle programme, while Saturday features the Coral Gold Cup.

The meeting is one of the most important handicap-racing weekends of the first half of the jumps season.

Newbury is a broad, galloping track.

Its configuration gives horses time to find a rhythm, but the quality of the races means jumping errors and poor positioning can still be costly.

The two-day fixture also produces useful evidence for later winter races.

Coral Gold Cup – 28 November 2026

The Coral Gold Cup is one of Britain’s major staying handicap chases.

It has previously been known as the Hennessy Gold Cup and Ladbrokes Trophy, and its history contains numerous high-class staying chasers.

The race differs fundamentally from the Betfair Chase.

The Betfair Chase is a Grade 1 conditions race. The Coral Gold Cup is a handicap, meaning the runners carry different weights according to their ratings and the race conditions.

That creates opportunities for improving chasers.

A horse can be below Grade 1 level at the time of the race but still have a strong chance if its handicap mark underestimates its developing ability.

Stamina, jumping and the ability to hold a position in a competitive field all matter.

Fighting Fifth Hurdle – 28 November 2026

The Fighting Fifth Hurdle takes place at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday 28 November 2026.

It is a Grade 1 hurdle and an important early-season race for leading two-mile hurdlers.

The race is staged on Newcastle’s jumps track rather than its all-weather Flat surface.

Speed is important because the leading two-mile hurdlers need to travel strongly and jump accurately while maintaining their position.

The Fighting Fifth can also provide early evidence for the championship hurdle division.

A strong November performance will naturally generate interest in later targets, but the road to the spring festivals remains long.

Fitness, ground and how hard a horse had to race should all be considered before projecting the result several months forward.

Flat Racing in November

Jump racing receives most of the attention in November, but British Flat racing does not disappear.

Doncaster stages Flat racing on Saturday 7 November, while all-weather racing continues throughout the month.

Regular Flat fixtures take place at:

  • Chelmsford City: Polytrack.
  • Kempton Park: Polytrack.
  • Lingfield Park: Polytrack.
  • Newcastle: Tapeta.
  • Southwell: Tapeta.
  • Wolverhampton: Tapeta.

All-weather racing provides a continuous British Flat programme through the winter.

Surface form becomes particularly important.

A horse that performs strongly on turf is not guaranteed to reproduce that form on Polytrack or Tapeta, while some horses improve considerably when switched to an artificial surface.

Course configuration also matters. Newcastle’s straight mile presents a very different test from Wolverhampton’s tighter circuit.

What to Look for in November Jump Racing

November brings back many established National Hunt horses after lengthy breaks.

That makes the month particularly interesting for form analysis.

Fitness

Some horses consistently run well after a break.

Others improve significantly after their first race of the season.

Check previous seasonal returns where enough evidence exists.

Trainer comments can provide context, but previous racecourse evidence remains valuable.

Going

Do not assume every November meeting will take place on soft ground.

Conditions can range considerably according to the weather and drainage at individual courses.

Use the current going description and then examine the horse’s previous performances under similar conditions.

Jumping

Jumping efficiency becomes increasingly important as the quality of the races rises.

A horse losing momentum at several fences can use considerable energy recovering its position.

Previous jumping mistakes should therefore be considered alongside finishing positions.

Course Form

Cheltenham, Aintree, Haydock, Newbury and Newcastle present different tests.

Previous course form can demonstrate that a horse handles a particular configuration.

Our course and distance form guide explains how C, D and CD indicators should be interpreted.

Handicap Mark

Handicap races dominate much of the jumps programme.

Compare today’s Official Rating with the marks from which a horse previously produced its strongest performances.

A lower rating is useful only if the horse still retains enough ability to exploit it.

Trainer Form

Stable form can become particularly useful when trainers begin running larger numbers of horses after the quieter summer period.

Look beyond wins alone.

Horses running close to expectation can indicate a stable is performing well even when the recent win percentage appears modest.

Our in-form trainers page tracks current trainer performance.

Jockey Form

A jockey’s recent results provide another piece of evidence.

Course experience, familiarity with a horse and a rider’s record for a particular stable can all be relevant.

Our in-form jockeys page covers the current picture.

How to Analyse a November Race

Start with the race conditions rather than immediately looking for a selection.

Identify the race type, class, distance, going and whether it is a handicap.

Then work through the runners.

Recent form needs context. A horse finishing fifth in a strong race may have produced a better performance than one winning weaker company.

Check the Official Rating in handicaps and compare it with previous winning or competitive marks.

Assess course and distance suitability.

Then consider pace. A race containing several habitual front-runners may develop very differently from one without an obvious leader.

Finally, compare your assessment with the market.

Our how to analyse a horse race page covers the complete process.

Reading November Horse Racing Form

National Hunt form contains information beyond finishing positions.

Letters and symbols can show that a horse fell, unseated its rider, pulled up or completed a previous season before a lengthy absence.

The number of days since a horse last ran can become especially relevant in November because many established jumpers are returning from summer breaks.

Do not automatically reject a horse because its last run was several months ago.

Some trainers prepare horses to perform strongly first time out.

Our horse racing form page explains the figures, letters and abbreviations found on racecards.

Pace in Jump Racing

Pace analysis is not restricted to Flat racing.

A horse that prefers to lead can face greater pressure when several rivals also race prominently.

Conversely, a habitual front-runner may be able to control a race containing few other horses that want the lead.

The effect changes according to distance, course and going.

A strong early pace in a staying chase on testing ground can place considerably more pressure on stamina than a steadily run race.

Our pace bias and pace maps pages explain how to assess likely race shape.

November Racecards

Final declarations provide the information needed for a detailed assessment.

A confirmed racecard shows the declared runners, weights, jockeys and recent form.

Our today’s racecards page covers the current day’s racing, while tomorrow’s racecards helps readers prepare for the following day.

Non-runners should always be checked again close to the race.

A withdrawal can change the number of runners, each-way terms and the likely pace of a race.

Horse Racing Tips in November

The stronger National Hunt programme creates a busy month for racing analysis.

British Racecourses publishes free horse racing tips across the British programme.

Selections should still be judged against the available odds.

Identifying the horse with the strongest chance is different from deciding that its price represents value.

A short-priced favourite can have the best chance of winning while still being shorter than your assessment suggests it should be.

Our betting odds pages explain prices, implied probability and potential returns.

Betting on November Horse Racing

The Cheltenham November Meeting, Betfair Chase and Coral Gold Cup Weekend attract substantial betting interest.

Different race types require different approaches.

A Grade 1 conditions race such as the Betfair Chase is primarily a test of high-class ability under the race conditions.

A major handicap such as the Paddy Power Gold Cup or Coral Gold Cup requires additional attention to the weights and Official Ratings.

Each-way terms can also become important in larger handicaps.

For readers comparing bookmakers specifically for racing, our best horse racing betting sites page covers racing-focused features, while our horse racing betting apps page concentrates on the mobile experience.

Watching Horse Racing in November

The major November meetings receive extensive television coverage.

ITV Racing broadcasts selected major races and meetings, while Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing provide wider coverage across the British programme.

Our recently updated Racing TV guide explains its racecourse coverage and viewing options.

Some bookmakers also provide qualifying customers with live streams of selected races. Our live horse racing streaming page explains the main options.

November Horse Racing FAQs

Is there horse racing in the UK throughout November 2026?

Yes. British racing continues throughout November with a mixture of jump and all-weather Flat fixtures.

There is racing on most days of the month, although fixtures can change and current racecards should be checked before travelling.

Does the National Hunt season start in November?

No.

Jump racing takes place before November, including during the summer and throughout October.

November is important because the quality and prominence of the jumps programme increase substantially and more leading horses begin their winter campaigns.

What is the biggest horse racing meeting in November 2026?

There are several major meetings rather than one obvious answer.

Cheltenham’s November Meeting runs from 13 to 15 November. Haydock stages the Grade 1 Betfair Chase on 21 November, while Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup Weekend takes place on 27 and 28 November.

When is the Cheltenham November Meeting 2026?

Cheltenham’s November Meeting takes place from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026.

When is the Paddy Power Gold Cup 2026?

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is scheduled for Saturday 14 November 2026 during Cheltenham’s November Meeting.

When is the Betfair Chase 2026?

The Betfair Chase takes place at Haydock Park on Saturday 21 November 2026.

When is the Coral Gold Cup 2026?

Coral Gold Cup Day is Saturday 28 November 2026 at Newbury, with the two-day meeting beginning on Friday 27 November.

When is the Fighting Fifth Hurdle 2026?

The Fighting Fifth Hurdle is scheduled for Saturday 28 November 2026 at Newcastle.

Is there Flat racing in November?

Yes.

The turf Flat programme reaches its closing stages early in November, while all-weather Flat racing continues throughout the month at courses including Newcastle, Southwell, Kempton, Wolverhampton, Lingfield and Chelmsford.

Is Cheltenham racing in November 2026?

Yes. Cheltenham stages its three-day November Meeting on 13, 14 and 15 November 2026.

Is Aintree racing in November 2026?

Yes. Aintree stages jump racing on Saturday 7 November 2026.

Is Haydock racing in November 2026?

Yes. Haydock stages Betfair Chase Day on Saturday 21 November 2026.

What ground is common in November?

Soft ground becomes more common as autumn progresses, but there is no single November going.

Conditions depend on rainfall, drainage and the individual racecourse. Always check the current official going rather than assuming a race will be run on soft or heavy ground.

What should I look for when betting on November jumps racing?

Fitness after a break, current going, jumping ability, course and distance form, handicap mark, trainer form, jockey bookings and likely pace can all be relevant.

The importance of each factor depends on the individual race.

Where can I see all November 2026 fixtures?

The complete November fixture list appears near the top of this page. Our main 2026 horse racing fixtures page covers the full British calendar.

Summary

November 2026 is one of the first months of the season in which Britain’s major jump horses regularly take centre stage.

Cheltenham’s November Meeting runs from 13 to 15 November, with the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday and Greatwood Handicap Hurdle on Sunday.

The Grade 1 Betfair Chase follows at Haydock on 21 November.

The final weekend brings two major fixtures on Saturday 28 November. Newbury stages the Coral Gold Cup, one of Britain’s leading staying handicap chases, while Newcastle hosts the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Aintree, Exeter, Wincanton, Ascot and numerous other courses add further jumps racing throughout the month, while all-weather Flat racing continues alongside it.

Use our UK Racecourses guide to explore individual tracks and our 2026 horse racing fixtures page for the complete annual programme.

Here are all of November’s horse racing-related posts:

Best Betting Sites

Free Betting Sites

Fast Withdrawals

Mobile Betting Sites

Betting Shops Near Me

Best Online Betting Sites

October 2026