Yorkshire natives are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality racecourses. One of the most popular is this flat-only track located in the North Yorkshire town of Thirsk.
First opened in 1923, the track lays on around 15 meetings per season, all of which are held between the months of April and September. Renowned for its competitive racing action, the highlight of the year comes in April, with the annual edition of the Thirsk Hunt Cup.
Upcoming Fixtures at Thirsk
- Saturday 1st August 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 7th August 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 14th August 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 28th August 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 5th September 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Monday 14th September 2026 - Flat / Turf
Recent Fixtures
- Friday 24th July 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Thursday 16th July 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Wednesday 1st July 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Tuesday 16th June 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 5th June 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Sunday 31st May 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 16th May 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 2nd May 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 18th April 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 10th April 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Monday 15th September 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 6th September 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 29th August 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 15th August 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 8th August 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 2nd August 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 25th July 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Tuesday 15th July 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Wednesday 2nd July 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Tuesday 17th June 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 6th June 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 17th May 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 3rd May 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Tuesday 22nd April 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 12th April 2025 - Flat / Turf
Thirsk Major Meetings
Thirsk Racecourse is one of Yorkshire’s most welcoming Flat racing venues, offering a blend of competitive racing, family-friendly events and themed entertainment throughout the summer. Set on the edge of the North York Moors, the course has earned a reputation for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent viewing, attracting racegoers from across the region.
From historic handicaps to music nights and stylish social occasions, Thirsk’s calendar offers something for everyone.
Thirsk Hunt Cup Day (May)
The Thirsk Hunt Cup is the racecourse’s oldest and most prestigious fixture, kicking off the season in style. The feature handicap is one of the highlights of the Yorkshire Flat calendar, while racegoers can also follow the 2,000 Guineas from Newmarket on big screens, making it a memorable afternoon for racing fans.
- Headlined by the historic Thirsk Hunt Cup
- One of Yorkshire’s premier early-season Flat meetings
- Includes live coverage of the 2,000 Guineas
Irish Day (May)
Irish Day brings a festival atmosphere to Thirsk, combining competitive Flat racing with live Irish music, themed entertainment and plenty of hospitality. It’s become one of the racecourse’s most popular themed fixtures and regularly attracts excellent crowds.
- Irish-themed entertainment throughout the day
- Live music alongside quality Flat racing
- One of the most popular social fixtures of the spring
Sunday Series (May)
As part of the nationwide Sky Bet Sunday Series, Thirsk hosts one of its strongest Sunday race meetings of the season. The fixture combines competitive racing with a relaxed family atmosphere, helping to attract both regular racegoers and newcomers to the sport.
- Part of the national Sky Bet Sunday Series
- High-quality Sunday Flat racing
- Popular with families and first-time visitors
Summer Cup Day (August)
The Summer Cup is one of Thirsk’s biggest sporting occasions during the height of the Flat season. Competitive racing, warm weather and a lively crowd combine to create one of the standout afternoons of the year.
- Headlined by the William Hill Summer Cup
- One of Thirsk’s flagship summer meetings
- Excellent racing in a vibrant midsummer atmosphere
Country Music Night (August)
Country Music Night offers a different twist on a day at the races, pairing evening Flat racing with live country music, line dancing and local food vendors. The combination has made it one of the racecourse’s most distinctive and best-loved themed events.
- Evening racing followed by live country music
- Line dancing and themed entertainment
- A unique social occasion on the summer calendar
Ladies’ Day (September)
Ladies’ Day is Thirsk’s biggest social event, attracting stylish racegoers for an afternoon of fashion, hospitality and competitive racing. The lively atmosphere and popular style competitions make it one of the busiest meetings of the season.
- Thirsk’s premier social race day
- Fashion competitions alongside Flat racing
- One of the racecourse’s highest-attended fixtures
Season Finale (September)
The racing year comes to a close with Thirsk’s Season Finale, giving racegoers one last opportunity to enjoy Flat racing before the gates close for the winter. Live music after racing provides a fitting celebration to end another successful season.
- Brings Thirsk’s Flat season to a close
- Live music rounds off the day’s racing
- A popular farewell to another successful campaign
