The BGC Family Raceday, also known as the BGC Christmas Raceday, is the single most valuable raceday held at the historic Ascot Racecourse. Hosted just before Christmas, this race meeting perfectly combines the traditions of the festive season with the thrills of outstanding National Hunt and Hurdling events. Attracting world-class horses and sportsmen, as well as large crowds of enchanted spectators, the BGC Family Raceday is one of the best attended, most popular jump racing dates on the National Hunt calendar.
The day includes highlights like the BGC Long Walk Hurdle, worth a whopping £100,000 and the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle, at £150,000 the richest hurdle to be run in Europe. However, the BGC Family Raceday is about far more than just horses worshipping mammon. It is truly a horse race meeting with the idea of a family outing as its central theme.
Celebrating the season and the childhood wonders of Christmas, the BGC Family Raceday sees Ascot Racecourse transformed into a winter wonderland, including visits from Father Christmas and his elves. Children receive gifts and can indulge in fairground rides and face painting. After the racing spectators are invited to join in a Christmas Carol singalong in front of the Grand Stand. There is even a Colts&Fillies Club for the young racegoers wanting to know more about the workings of the track.
Christmas comes early at Ascot, so don't miss the most festive meeting of the year, the BGC Family Raceday.
