By Team Sports Kida 
Horse racing has long been embraced not merely as gambling, but as a sport where tradition, culture, and the stories of man and horse converge. Particularly in Britain and Ireland, major races throughout the seasons are positioned as social events, attracting interest not only from fans but also the general public.
From late 2025 through early 2026, numerous races will continue to colour this tradition, with several events already deserving a mark in the calendar. Considering prize money, historical significance, and the movements of leading horses and jockeys, this season presents even more compelling reasons for attention than usual.
Notable Races in Britain and Europe
For European racing fans, the season from autumn to spring is a particularly noteworthy period. October 2025 sees the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe held at Paris Longchamp Racecourse. This race attracts top horses and jockeys from around the world, drawing attention beyond Europe too, and can rightly be called one of the most important horse racing events globally.
Also in October, Ascot Racecourse hosts British Champions Day, which also serves as a key stepping stone towards the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. British autumn racing demands strategic thinking for both spectators and tipsters, as changing weather and track conditions significantly influence tactics.
From winter into spring, the Cheltenham Festival (March 2026, Cheltenham Racecourse), the premier National Hunt event, captivates hurdle racing enthusiasts. This is followed in April by the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, a renowned long-distance endurance race generating excitement among spectators and bettors alike. Furthermore, in May, the 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas are run at Newmarket, heralding the opening of the older horse classic campaign.
These races are not merely contests for results; they become stages where the records of jockeys and horses, tactical manoeuvring, and even the strategies of spectators and bettors intersect. The British and European racing season unfolds with distinct conditions and characterful races each season, offering the true thrill of prediction and spectating.
More Races To Look Out For In Japan
These European races boast long traditions, yet interest now extends far beyond regional borders. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe epitomises this. This pinnacle of European racing has long captivated British and French fans, but in recent years it has also garnered significant attention in Asia, particularly Japan.
Japanese racing fans have a history of enthusiastically supporting Japanese horses competing overseas, extending beyond major domestic races like the Arima Kinen and the Japanese Derby. Within this trend, the increasing number of bookmakers offering odds for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Japan is noteworthy. Even if fans cannot attend in person, they can check the odds online and test their own predictions. This system is broadening Japan’s horse racing culture into a more international one, fostering a sense of participation in a global sporting event rather than merely gambling.
Horses and Jockeys to Watch in the 2025-26 Season
Among the horses to watch in the 2025-26 season, Kyprios stands out first. His consistency in long-distance turf races is remarkable, and he is often compared to horses that have won the Epsom Derby or demonstrated strength in middle-distance races. Additionally, Rebel’s Romance has accumulated Group 1 victories in recent years, with particular expectations for his performance in turf races during the autumn season.
Among jockeys, Oisin Murphy leads the 2025 British Flat Jockeys Championship, drawing attention for his number of wins, mounts, and consistent results. Furthermore, among the younger jockeys, Billy Loughnane has achieved strong performances in Apprentice and All-Weather races, and is highly rated with the potential to step up to the big stage.
The movements of these horses and jockeys significantly influence the odds market and fan interest. For instance, news of Kyprios entering a race with favourable conditions, such as distance and track state, can cause odds to shift abruptly across international bookmakers. Japanese online betting users also closely track such movements, sometimes reflecting them in bets for major international races like the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
A Season at the Crossroads of Tradition and Innovation
The racing season spanning late 2025 to early 2026 will be a period where the weight of traditional races intersects with emerging international expansion. Horse racing in Europe, centred on Britain, will reaffirm its cultural depth and prestige.
Concurrently, the phenomenon of overseas markets, including Japan, actively engaging and fans participating on the world stage through odds and betting is set to expand further. When horse racing is perceived not merely as an investment vehicle, but as an international cultural experience sharing stories and history, the 2025-26 racing season will be remembered as its turning point. For fans, spectating, predicting, and placing bets – much like casting a vote – will become part of the enjoyment of connecting with the world.
Editor