Want to know more about the jump race calendar? Keep reading as we give you all the key info and tell you about the races and horses to watch out for. Plus, find out how you can book hospitality packages for upcoming jump race events at Seat Unique.

The jump racing season is already underway, but don’t worry you haven’t missed out on the best of the action yet.

With a series of exciting races approaching, we are here to give you the lowdown on all things jump racing so that you will be a true expert by the time you head to a race day.

From key facts through to the season calendar and horses to watch out for, we tell you everything you need to know to become a jump race aficionado. Plus, find out how you can make your trip to the races even better with a hospitality package at Seat Unique.

The simple stuff…

Horse racing
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What is jump racing?

Jump racing is a horse racing event where horses clear obstacles including ditches and fences by jumping over them - effectively the equestrian version of hurdles.

When is the jump racing season?

Jump racing runs all year round but the majority of National Hunt racing takes place in the Autumn and Winter months.

Bigger races run from late October through to April, with this period often being referred to as the ‘jump race season’.

When does the jump race season start?

The 2023 UK jump season began on 10th November 2022 at Market Rasen and is set to be shortly followed by the November Meeting at Cheltenham.

When does the jump race season end?

The jump season technically runs all year, but the 2023 jump season transitions into the 2024 season in October.

Jump racing fixtures 2023 - The main events

The jump racing calendar is jam packed with races, so we have selected the highlights of the season that you simply don’t want to miss!

November

  • The Open, Cheltenham Racecourse
  • Betfair Chase, Haydock Park
  • The Winter Festival, Newbury Racecourse

December

  • Tingle Creek Chase, Sandown Park Racecourse
  • BGC Family Raceday Meeting, Ascot Racecourse
  • Coral Welsh National, Kempton Park Racecourse

January

  • Victor Chandler Chase, Ascot Racecourse

February

  • Betfair Ascot Chase Meeting, Ascot Racecourse

March

  • The Cheltenham Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse

April

  • John Smith’s Grand National Festival, Aintree Racecourse
  • Bet365 Gold Cup, Sandown Park Racecourse
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Horses to look out for in the upcoming jump race season

Don’t worry if you are unsure about which horses are set to impress this season, as we give you the lowdown on the horses to watch out for in 2022/2023.

But first, let's make sure that you know a couple of  jump racing horse facts…

When do jump horses retire?

Jump horses typically begin racing at 4 years old and can continue up until around the age of 12.

What is the highest horse jumping record?

The highest recorded horse jump in history was in 1949. In Chile, the horse ‘Huaso’ jumped 2.47 metres.

What horses should I look out for in the jump season?

Seat Unique has rounded up the top horses to look out for at some of the best races on the calendar.

Cheltenham Champion Hurdle

British-bred horse, Honeysuckle won all four of her races in the 2018/19 season and is looking to retain her crown at Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle race.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

At Cheltenham’s Gold Cup, last season's winner A Tard will be running in the race again. If history is anything to go by, this tip chaser is one to watch out for.

Aintree Grand National

At one of the most viewed races across the world, the Grand National at Aintree is always an exciting race to attend. Noble Yeats was the first seven-year old horse to win the race since 1940 and is a fan favourite for the 2023 season.

Newbury Gold Cup

Newbury is one of the smaller racecourses but still holds a great atmosphere and exciting races, particularly at the Gold Cup.

Last season, Remastered took the win but it is not confirmed whether he will race again in 2023 as he enters his tenth-year. Look out for the underdogs in this race as this race often experiences different ground conditions and serves as a prelude to bigger races on the calendar.

How can I get tickets to jump season races?

Image (L-R): Ascot Racecourse hospitality, Ascot Racecourse hospitality, Cheltenham hospitality

Want to head to your first jump race? Make the most of it and have a race day experience to remember with an official hospitality package.

Seat Unique is delighted to open access to official hospitality packages at a number of venues on the jump race calendar including:

With a hospitality package you will feel like a real VIP as you enjoy unrivalled views of the races as well as luxury inclusions such as:

  • Exclusive access to hospitality lounges
  • Exclusive access to race day areas including the Parade Ring
  • Inclusive drinks and delicious catering options
  • Access to bars and restaurants
  • Premium seating

Explore available packages and book your place at upcoming jump racing events now!

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Not sure what to wear? Check out our race day style guides for ladies and gents to make sure that you look the part.

If you would rather attend a flat racing event, check out our hospitality packages for York Racecourse events now!