Attendances figures for first half of 2026 announced

• 2,398,184 visit a British racecourse from January-June
• Average attendance 3,455
• Notable increase in abandonments significantly affect overall total
• Major attendance growth enjoyed by multiple racecourses across a range of events

 

Figures collated by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and analysed by the Racecourse Association (RCA) show that 2,398,184 people attended a British racecourse in the first half (H1) of 2026, resulting in a 1.3% decrease compared to this time last year as the impact of a significant number of abandonments was felt.

66 fixtures were abandoned from January-June 2026, with 33 of these occurring in the second quarter of the year (Q2). By comparison, just four fixtures were abandoned in Q2 2025 and 32 in the full H1 period.

The average attendance at H1 fixtures was 3,455, a 0.8% increase from 2025, demonstrating the underlying growth in attendance remains. Comparisons to 2024, a similar year for fixtures staged and abandonments, confirm this with a 3.7% increase in total attendance and a 3.6% increase in average attendance.

H1 Attendance Snapshot

	Fixtures Run	Abandonments*	Average Attendance	Total Attendance
2026	694	66	3,455	2,398,184
2025	704	32	3,425	2,429,908
2024	693	56	3,336	2,311,961

 

Noteworthy growth in attendance was seen by multiple racecourses during H1. All five days of Royal Ascot registered a higher attendance than 2025, with a total attendance across the week of 294,541 (+2.8%). The third and fourth classics of the year, the Betfred Oaks and Derby, were enjoyed by 47,983 racegoers (+27.6%) at Epsom Downs. York’s Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes Day saw 31,925 racegoers enjoy the Group 3 contest ahead of a Becky Hill concert (+12.2%), whilst across the county in Pontefract the ‘Proper Yorkshire Father’s Day’ raceday drew a strong crowd of 8,654 (+35.2%). Newton Abbot’s Easter Saturday welcomed 8,012 racegoers (+50%), and Doncaster’s Summer Saturday music night on 6^th June saw 7,362 in attendance (+30.4%).

H1 figures in 2026 must be viewed with the mitigation of the unforeseen circumstances affecting a number of racecourses this year across a prolonged period. Key fixtures at Cheltenham, Haydock Park and Chelmsford City racecourses were either abandoned or rearranged.

In addition, the exceptionally hot weather has affected public desire for full day, outdoor activities. H1 saw two official heatwaves declared in Great Britain, with record temperatures for May (35.1 °C) and June (37.7 °C) registered. The Met Office declared a red weather warning for large parts of Southern England from 24-26 June, resulting in abandonments at Ffos Las, Kempton Park, Salisbury and Worcester. A number of fixtures during this period were also moved to cooler times of day. This was the first time in the history of modern weather records that a red warning for heat was declared for three consecutive days.

The FIFA World Cup began on 11^th June with both England and Scotland participating. Whilst the majority of fixtures kick off at 8pm or later, some horseracing fixtures scheduled within 24 hours of these games have experienced large attendance drops, particularly Scotland’s warm-up game vs Bolivia and England games vs Croatia, Mexico and Norway. Whilst every measure is taken by racecourses (including screening the games and creating fan zones) and the BHA (rescheduling start times to avoid the worst clashes), the appeal of watching home nations in major tournaments continues to be significant for the British public.

Q2 Attendance Snapshot

	Fixtures Run	Abandonments	Average Attendance	Total Attendance
2026	402	33	4,232	1,701,573
2025	412	4	4,281	1,763,912
2024	399	20	4,084	1,629,576

 

Alex Eade, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Association, commented: “The large number of lost fixtures seen this year, for a variety of reasons, included a number of significant events. Despite this unprecedented situation, the average attendance at British racecourses has continued to grow.

“With the insight from Project Beacon now firmly embedded, fantastic engagement driven by GBR and some notable innovations in digital marketing delivered at a local level, it is pleasing to see such a range of events listed with strong attendance growth. From the pinnacle of flat racing at Royal Ascot and the Betfred Oaks and Derby to family fun days at Newton Abbot and Pontefract, racecourses have demonstrated their versatility as hosts of wonderful days out.

“Whilst it is disappointing to see the overall attendance figure fall by 1.3%, the clear explanation for this means the sport should be confident in its growth initiatives which have underpinned the increased attendance seen in 2025 and earlier this year.”