Last updated by Nuala Williamson on Friday 8th May 2026

Newcastle Racecourse is set for another standout year of racing in 2026, with a packed calendar featuring historic fixtures, competitive flat racing, popular themed racedays and elite jumps action. From the prestige of Northumberland Plate Day on Saturday 27th June to the excitement of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle later in the year, racing fans can look forward to unforgettable moments at Gosforth Park.

Whether you are a lifelong racing enthusiast or planning your first day at the races, Newcastle Racecourse offers a wide range of experiences across the season. Hospitality packages and premium seating options also provide the opportunity to enjoy the action in style at one of the North East’s most iconic sporting venues.

Register your interest in Newcastle Racecourse hospitality packages with Seat Unique.

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Why Newcastle Racecourse remains one of Britain’s top racing venues

Located within the expansive grounds of Gosforth Park, Newcastle Racecourse is one of the UK’s most versatile and historic racing venues. The racecourse stages both flat and National Hunt racing throughout the year, attracting leading trainers, jockeys and racegoers from across the country.

Its all-weather Tapeta surface has strengthened Newcastle’s reputation as a year-round racing destination, while major racedays continue to draw large crowds seeking top-class competition and a memorable social occasion.

The 2026 racing calendar once again combines tradition, prestige and entertainment, with several headline fixtures standing out for fans planning their visits.

Northumberland Plate Day – Saturday 27th June 2026

The undisputed highlight of Newcastle’s flat racing season arrives on Saturday 27th June with the iconic Northumberland Plate Day.

Often referred to as the “Pitmen’s Derby”, the Northumberland Plate is one of the most prestigious staying handicaps in British racing and has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s sporting heritage since the 19th century. The race attracts competitive fields, leading connections and thousands of spectators each year, creating one of the biggest occasions in the northern racing calendar.

Northumberland Plate Day is far more than a single race. The entire event delivers a festival atmosphere across Gosforth Park, with high-quality racing, stylish fashion and premium hospitality experiences combining to make it one of the standout social events of the summer.

For visitors looking to elevate the occasion, hospitality packages offer exceptional views of the course, fine dining and access to exclusive facilities throughout the day.

Secure Newcastle Racecourse VIP hospitality for Northumberland Plate Day with Seat Unique.

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Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse

Ladies Day remains one of the most anticipated social events of the Newcastle racing calendar and is expected to attract another large crowd in 2026.

Known for its combination of fashion, entertainment and competitive racing, Ladies Day brings a vibrant atmosphere to Gosforth Park each summer. Racegoers arrive dressed for the occasion, with style competitions, live entertainment and premium hospitality all contributing to the excitement of the day.

Alongside the social occasion, visitors can also enjoy an excellent racecard featuring quality racing throughout the afternoon and evening.

For groups, corporate guests and those celebrating special occasions, Ladies Day hospitality continues to be one of the most sought-after experiences at Newcastle Racecourse.

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Gosforth Park Cup Night

Another major fixture in Newcastle’s summer programme is the Gosforth Park Cup Night.

This evening meeting combines competitive sprint racing with a lively after-work atmosphere, making it one of the most popular evening racedays of the season. The Gosforth Park Cup itself regularly attracts talented sprinters competing over six furlongs, delivering fast-paced action on Newcastle’s renowned straight track.

The combination of racing, entertainment and summer weather makes Gosforth Park Cup Night an excellent option for fans looking to experience Newcastle Racecourse under the lights.

Hospitality experiences for evening racedays continue to grow in popularity, particularly for corporate events and group celebrations.

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Delaval Trophy raceday

The Delaval Trophy raceday is another important date in Newcastle’s flat racing calendar.

The feature contest has become a respected race within the North East racing scene and often showcases emerging talent alongside established performers. For racing followers, the meeting provides an opportunity to enjoy competitive action in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than some of the venue’s larger festival-style events.

Newcastle’s facilities and hospitality offerings ensure that even mid-season racedays deliver a premium experience for attendees.

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Fighting Fifth Hurdle – elite jumps racing returns

Later in the year, attention turns to National Hunt racing and the prestigious Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

As one of the leading early-season hurdle races in Britain, the Fighting Fifth regularly attracts some of the sport’s top two-mile hurdlers and has previously featured legendary names from the jumps world. The Grade One contest serves as an important marker ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and is highly regarded by trainers, jockeys and racing fans alike.

The atmosphere at Gosforth Park during the jumps season offers a different experience to the summer flat campaign, with passionate crowds gathering to witness elite-level winter racing.

For many racing supporters, the Fighting Fifth is one of the most important fixtures in Newcastle’s annual sporting calendar.

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What’s next for Newcastle Racecourse in 2026?

With strong attendances, major televised fixtures and a growing reputation for premium raceday experiences, Newcastle Racecourse continues to strengthen its place among Britain’s leading racing venues.

Northumberland Plate Day on Saturday 27th June is expected to remain the centrepiece of the 2026 calendar, but events such as Ladies Day, Gosforth Park Cup Night, the Delaval Trophy and the Fighting Fifth Hurdle ensure there is something for every type of racing fan throughout the year.

From summer celebrations to elite jumps competition, Newcastle Racecourse once again promises a memorable year of sport and entertainment.

Experience Newcastle Racecourse in style

From premium dining experiences to exclusive viewing areas overlooking the track, Newcastle Racecourse hospitality offers racegoers the opportunity to enjoy major events in comfort and style.

Whether you are attending Northumberland Plate Day, Ladies Day or the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, VIP hospitality packages can enhance every part of the raceday experience.

Explore Newcastle Racecourse hospitality packages with Seat Unique.