Horse Racing

Newmarket July Festival Race Times and Schedule 2023

Newmarket July Festival Race Times and  Schedule 2023
(Photo by Scoop Dyga/Icon Sport)

The Newmarket July Festival 2023, one of the summer’s most anticipated flat horse racing events, promises three days of exceptional equine action. Set against the iconic Newmarket racecourse backdrop, the festival commences on Thursday, 13th July, and concludes on Saturday, 16th July. This exciting spectacle is renowned for its seven Group contests, which include two prestigious Group One races – The Falmouth Stakes and the July Cup.

The Headlining Contenders

The event’s highlight is undoubtedly the much-awaited rematch between the captivating Little Big Bear and the Commonwealth Cup’s formidable victor, Shaquille. Their showdown in the Group One races is set to provide a thrilling spectacle for racing enthusiasts.

Newmarket July Festival Race Times: Unfolding the Race Schedule

The Newmarket July Festival 2023 unfolds across three action-packed days, featuring four races broadcasted LIVE on ITV Racing. Additionally, seven Group contests are scattered throughout the meeting, elevating the excitement and competition at the festival.

Day 1 – Thursday, 13th July 2023

The festival gallops into action on the opening day with the Bahrain Trophy Stakes, a Group 3 race for three-year-olds over 1 mile and 5 furlongs. The day’s adrenaline intensifies with the Kingdom Of Bahrain July Stakes, a Group 2 race involving two-year-old colts and geldings. The day concludes with the Princess of Wales’s Stakes, another high-stakes Group 2 race sponsored by the Kingdom of Bahrain, where three-year-olds and older horses vie for the title.

Day 2 – Friday, 14th July 2023

The second day kicks off with the thrilling 6 Horse Challenge At bet365 Handicap, a Heritage Handicap race that extends over 1 mile and 2 furlongs. The Duchess of Cambridge Stakes, a Group 2 race sponsored by bet365, is expected to draw particular attention. The day culminates with the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes, the festival’s first Group One race involving fillies and mares.

Day 3 – Saturday, 15th July 2023

The festival’s final day begins with the Rossdales British EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, where two-year-old fillies set the racing tempo. Midday features the electrifying bet365 Superlative Stakes, a Group 2 race, closely followed by the bet365 Bunbury Cup, a Heritage Handicap race. The grand finale, the Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes, a Group One race, will leave spectators on the edge of their seats.

A Thrilling Spectacle for Racing Aficionados

The Newmarket July Festival 2023 is a must-see event for any racing fan, offering a unique blend of top-notch racing action, fierce competition, and an electric atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned race-goer or a newcomer to the sport, the festival’s riveting schedule and high-stakes showdowns promise to deliver an unforgettable experience.

With meticulously planned races and some of the best horses globally competing for glory, the festival celebrates the sport’s very essence. So mark your calendars for 13th to 16th July 2023 and get ready for a spectacular festival that embodies the spirit of horse racing and serves as a testament to the enduring allure of this timeless sport.

An Overview of The Group Races

The group races form the backbone of the Newmarket July Festival. They represent the highest level of competition, attracting top horses from around the globe. The 2023 festival hosts seven Group contests, including two Group One races: The Falmouth Stakes and the July Cup.

The Falmouth Stakes

Held on the festival’s second day, the Falmouth Stakes is a Group One race for fillies and mares three years old and above. The one-mile course is a challenging battlefield, testing the stamina and speed of each participant. This high-profile race, forming part of the British Champions Series, has a history of producing thrilling finishes and unforgettable performances.

The July Cup

The festival’s grand finale, the Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes, is a Group One sprint race featuring a quick six-furlong course. The competition is open to horses aged three and above, and the participating contenders are among the finest globally. The July Cup holds immense prestige and is decisive in determining the season’s champion sprinter.

Other Noteworthy Races

Among the seven Group races, there are also other notable races. For example, the Kingdom Of Bahrain July Stakes is a Group Two race, an important contest for two-year-old colts and geldings. Similarly, the Princess Of Wales’s Stakes, sponsored by the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a key race on the first day, testing the mettle of three-year-olds and older.

Unmissable Handicap Races

Handicap races play a crucial role in the festival’s schedule. In these races, weights are assigned to horses based on their ability, creating a level playing field. Some standout handicaps at the Newmarket July Festival 2023 include the bet365 Handicap and the bet365 Trophy, providing thrilling viewing as each horse pushes to overcome their weight handicap and seize victory.

Live Broadcast: Tune into ITV Racing

Four daily races will be broadcast live on ITV Racing to ensure no one misses out on the excitement. The live broadcast will provide in-depth coverage, expert commentary, and insightful analysis, creating an immersive viewing experience for horse racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Newmarket July Festival Race Times: Conclusion

The Newmarket July Festival 2023 presents a spectacle of exhilarating horse racing, providing fans and punters with three days of top-tier competition. From high-stakes Group races to thrilling handicaps, every race in the festival’s schedule offers an opportunity to witness equine excellence. With champions returning and emerging stars looking to make their mark, this year’s festival promises to be an unmissable event in the summer horse racing calendar. Whether experienced or novice, spectators are bound to be captivated by the magic of the Newmarket July Festival 2023.


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About the author

Andrew

Andrew Shassetz is a seasoned freelance writer who combines his academic background from the University of Alaska, where he studied Journalism, with a genuine love for horse racing. Following a significant life-changing accident, Andrew courageously shifted his career path from mainstream journalism to full-time freelancing.

Today, he passionately delves into the thrilling world of horse racing and sports. He delivers compelling, insightful commentaries that resonate with readers worldwide, redefining sports journalism with his unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise.