Ayr Gold Cup Festival 2026 Today: Full Friday racecard on Ladies Day, time of Style Awards, tickets, history - what else is happening on day two?

Horse racing fans are enjoying a three day feast of sport at this year’s Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Festival 2026 - which is now into its second day.

Today is Ladies Day at the Ayr Gold Cup festival. | Getty Images

The centrepiece of the meet is the Ayr Gold Cup itself which was first held in 1804 at Ayr's former racecourse at Belleisle and originally was only open to horses bred and trained in Scotland.

Read more: Greyhound racing made illegal in Scotland

The modern event is held at Ayr Racecourse, run over six furlongs (1,207 metres) and is open to all thoroughbreds aged three years or older.

Such is the popularity of the race it attracts many more horse than can complete in its maximum field of 25 - this year a huge 263 horses were entered.

Due to this, many of the horses that don’t make the cut run in the Siver Cup and Bronze Cup instead - held on the same day.

But before then there are two more days of racing to enjoy, including today’s famous Ladies Day.

Here’s what you need to know about this today’s racing.

What races are taking place at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival 2026 today?

Here’s the full list of races today, Friday, September 18, and the prize money up for grabs:

• 1.20pm: The Ladbrokes ‘Free Bet At Ayr’ Fillies’ Nursery Handicap Stakes (CLASS 4) £15,000
• 1.55pm: The Get Home Safe With Thistle Cabs EBF Nursery Handicap Stakes (CLASS 2) £18,000
• 2.30pm: The British EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) £55,000
• 3.05pm: The Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies’ Stakes (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) £70,000
• 3.40pm: The Ladbrokes Ayr Bronze Cup Handicap Stakes (CLASS 2) £40,000
• 4.15pm: The Zenith Ltd Building Partnerships That Last Handicap Stakes (Div 1) (CLASS 5) £9,000
• 4.45pm: The Zenith Ltd Building Partnerships That Last Handicap Stakes (Div 2) (CLASS 5)
• 5.20pm: The Slater Menswear Handicap Stakes (CLASS 5) £9,000

What are the biggest races on Ladies Day?

The racing is of really high quality today, headlined by two listed races in the EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes and the Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies’ Stakes. The Ayr Bronze Cup is also run today with a field of up to 25 contesting the six furlong sprint.

Can I get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup 2026

You can still get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup today, with day grandstand tickets starting at £24, along with a multitude of hospitality tickets and packages here.

When do gates open at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival today?

Gates open at 11.20am, with the last race at 5.20pm followed by live entertainment until 8pm.

When are the Style Awards on Ladies Day taking place?

The much-loved Style Awards are back for Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Ladies Day, giving racegoers the chance to showcase thier style and compete for a selection of prizes.

Spotters will be on the lookout throughout the day for the best dressed guests to take part in the catwalk and win everything from earrings from Logan’s the Jeweller and vouchers from Slaters, to an unforgettable trip to Milan courtesy of Stewart Travel.

Here’s when the best-dressed race fans will be taking to the catwalk:

• Most Stylish Hat : 1.30pm – 1.50pm
• Most Stylish Lady : 2.10pm – 2.30pm
• Most Stylish Gent : 2.50pm – 3.10pm
• Most Stylish Couple : 3.25pm – 3.45pm

What other entertainment is on offer at the Ayr Gold Cup festival on Ladies Day?

There’s lots to see aside from the racing on Ladies Day - before the racing even starts there’s music from Sophie Rox in the Hospitality Suite and J Sax at the racecourse entrance.

Throughout the day you can enjoy performers from Empress Arts wandering around the racecourse and music from The Rhythm Kings on the Champagne Lawns.

Then after the racing you can get involved in the Bandioke at the Princess Royal Suite, dance to a DJ set from Colin McArdle in the Ayrshire Suite, or sing along to the hits with Abba tribute act Voyage in the Ayrshire Suite.

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