Today at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival 2026: Full Thursday racecard, tickets, history - what else is happening on day one?
It’s day one of the biggest flat race festival of the year in Scotland.
Horse racing fans have a three day feast of sport to look forward to at this year’s Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Festival 2026.
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.
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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 tomorrow’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, Thursday, September 17, and the prize money up for grabs:
- 2pm: The Almins Vantage/Lallemand Magniva Classic EBF Novice Stakes (CLASS 3) £12,000
- 2.30pm: The Western House Hotel Handicap Stakes (CLASS 5) £9,000
- 3pm: The Ladbrokes ‘Free Bet At Ayr’ Kilkerran Handicap Stakes (CLASS 2) £35,000
- 3.30pm: The British Stallion Studs Scottish Premier Series EBF Fillies’ Handicap Stakes (CLASS 4) £17,000
- 4pm: The Branding Hub Handicap Stakes (CLASS 5) £9,000
- 4.30pm: The Ladbrokes ‘Get Rewarded With Ladbucks’ Handicap Stakes (CLASS 6) £8,000
- 5.01pm: The Tennent’s Lager Handicap Stakes (CLASS3) £16,000
What is the opening day’s biggest race?
The opening day highlight is 1m 2f Handicap for the Kilkerran Cup one of the longest standing trophies at the track.
The 2025 race was won by George Boughey’s Shadwell Stud owned El Burhan.
The race starts at 3pm with £35,000 in prize money up for grabs.
Can I get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup 2026 today?
You can still get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup today, with day grandstand tickets starting at £24 (and three day tickets from £67), along with a multitude of hospitality tickets and packages here.
When do gates open at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival today?
Gates open at 12noon, with the last race at 5.01pm followed by live entertainment until 8pm.
What is the post-racing entertainment?
Following the racing the band Sneaky Treacle will keep the crowds entertained at the Princess Royal Suite. They are billed as “fantastic musicians with bags of experience and a great fun attitude to performing, who will keep the party going for three hours after racing.”
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