The most high-profile of the Somerset tracks, Wincanton Racecourse enjoys a beautiful hilltop countryside setting but is only around a mile from the town of Wincanton. Many claim that this track staged the first-ever National Hunt meeting back in 1867, and the course remains dedicated to events over obstacles.
Operating in line with the traditional jumps racing season, Wincanton plays host to around 17 fixtures between the months of October and May. Seasonal highlights include February’s Kingwell Hurdle, and the Elite Hurdle, the Rising Stars Novices’ Chase, and the Badger Beers Silver Trophy which all feature on the same card in November.
Upcoming Fixtures at Wincanton
- Sunday 25th October 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Saturday 7th November 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 19th November 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 24th November 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 3rd December 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 15th December 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Saturday 26th December 2026 - Jump / Turf
Recent Fixtures
- Sunday 12th April 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Wednesday 1st April 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Monday 23rd March 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 5th March 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Wednesday 25th February 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Saturday 14th February 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 29th January 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 15th January 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Saturday 3rd January 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 26th December 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 16th December 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 4th December 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 20th November 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Saturday 8th November 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 26th October 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Wednesday 16th April 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 13th April 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Monday 31st March 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Monday 24th March 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 6th March 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Wednesday 26th February 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Saturday 15th February 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 30th January 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 16th January 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Saturday 4th January 2025 - Jump / Turf
Wincanton Major Meetings
Wincanton Racecourse is one of the South West’s leading National Hunt venues, hosting an exciting programme of jump racing from autumn through to late winter. Nestled in the Somerset countryside, the course has become renowned for its fast, fair track and its ability to attract some of the country’s best horses, trainers and jockeys.
With prestigious Grade 2 contests, valuable handicap chases and hugely popular festive fixtures, Wincanton plays an important role in the National Hunt season, even if it flies under the radar on occasion.
Kingwell Hurdle Day (February)
The Kingwell Hurdle is Wincanton’s headline race and one of the most significant Champion Hurdle trials in Britain. Staged just weeks before the Cheltenham Festival, the Grade 2 contest regularly attracts high-class hurdlers looking for one final competitive outing before tackling the biggest race of the season.
Many outstanding champions have contested the Kingwell over the years, giving the meeting a prestigious place on the National Hunt calendar. Combined with a competitive supporting card, it has become one of the racecourse’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures.
- Headlined by the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle
- A major trial for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham
- Showcases some of Britain’s leading two-mile hurdlers
Opening Fixture (October)
The return of racing in October signals the start of another National Hunt campaign at Wincanton. Trainers use the meeting to introduce promising novices and bring established horses back into action, while racegoers enjoy the excitement of jumping returning to Somerset after the summer break.
- Marks the start of Wincanton’s National Hunt season
- Welcomes back jump racing after the summer
- Popular early-season meeting with a relaxed atmosphere
Badger Beer Chase Day (November)
Few autumn fixtures are as well known in the South West as Badger Beer Chase Day. The feature handicap chase has become one of Britain’s most respected early-season staying contests, regularly attracting strong fields from leading stables.
Away from the track, the meeting is equally popular thanks to its lively social atmosphere, making it one of Wincanton’s biggest days both on and off the course.
- Headlined by the prestigious Badger Beer Handicap Chase
- One of the South West’s premier National Hunt meetings
- Combines top-class racing with a vibrant social atmosphere
Boxing Day Racing (December)
Boxing Day at Wincanton has become a festive tradition for racing fans and families alike. Large holiday crowds gather to enjoy an afternoon of competitive jump racing, while free admission for children helps create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
The combination of quality racing and seasonal celebrations makes it one of the best-attended meetings of the year.
- Popular Boxing Day National Hunt fixture
- Family-friendly atmosphere with free admission for children
- A festive highlight of the Christmas racing calendar
