WINDSOR RACECOURSE KICKS OFF THE 2026/7 JUMPS SEASON WITH AUTUMN BEER FESTIVAL RACEDAY
Racing, rugby and £5 beers all day as Windsor launches its new-look jumps season opener on Saturday 14 November
Royal Windsor Racecourse is set to raise a glass and raise the excitement this November as it launches a brand-new Autumn Beer Festival Raceday, combining the return of thrilling jumps racing with an unbeatable day of sport, socialising and exceptional value.
Taking place on Saturday 14 November 2026, the fixture will mark the return of jumps racing to Windsor following the summer flat-racing season, with seven races scheduled from 12:20pm to 3:45pm (timings may be subject to change).
And this year, there is an extra reason to celebrate.
For the first time, Windsor's jumps-season opener will take on an Autumn Beer Festival theme, with all beers, including craft offerings, and glasses of house wine just £5 all day. The racecourse will also be showing selected Autumn Nations Rugby matches throughout the day on screens, culminating in England v Japan kicking off at 4:40pm after racing.
It is Windsor's own sporting Super Saturday – and one designed to deliver plenty of entertainment without the premium price tag!
THE FENCES ARE BACK – AND THE SEASON STARTS HERE
After a summer of flat racing, the fences return to Windsor as the winter jumps story gets underway.
Racegoers can expect a competitive seven-race card featuring novice hurdlers, chasers, established jumpers and potential stars of the season ahead, with Windsor's distinctive course providing the stage for the first major jumps action of the winter.
With Windsor situated close to the heart of the Lambourn racing community, the opening fixture is set to attract some of the sport's leading connections as trainers and jockeys begin their campaigns for the season.
Gates open at 10:20am, with the first race at 12:20pm and the final race at 3:45pm (timings are subject to change).
But the day doesn't end when the horses leave the track.
At 4:40pm, England take on Japan in the Autumn Nations Rugby, giving racegoers the perfect excuse to stay on, grab another £5 drink and settle in for the afternoon's second sporting spectacle.
£5 DRINKS ALL DAY
The new Autumn Beer Festival is built around one simple proposition: great sport, great atmosphere and great-value drinks.
All beers and glasses of house wine will be available for just £5 throughout the day, giving racegoers the chance to enjoy the festival atmosphere without the usual premium event pricing.
The bottomless drinks, pasta and pizza package in the blues and royals also offers guests the chance to engage in the offerings available!
With Windsor and Eton Brewery's beers also featuring as part of the day's offering, the Autumn Beer Festival promises to bring together racing fans, beer lovers and sports supporters for one of the most sociable fixtures in Windsor's winter calendar.
BIG VALUE FROM JUST £19
There are ticket options to suit everything from a casual day out with friends to a full season of jumps racing.
General admission starts at £22 when booked in advance, with groups of eight or more able to take advantage of discounted admission at £19 per person.
Under-18s can also attend free when accompanied by an adult, subject to applicable exclusions, making the event an attractive option for groups and families looking for a value-packed Saturday out.
For the ultimate value for committed jumps fans, the Jump Season Pass is just £55, providing admission to four major jumps fixtures at Royal Windsor:
Saturday 14 November 2026 – Autumn Beer Festival Raceday
Friday 1 January 2027 – New Year's Day Jumps Racing
Friday 22 January 2027 – Berkshire Winter Million Day 1
Sunday 24 January 2027 – Berkshire Winter Million Day 3
That means racegoers can secure four days of jumps racing, entertainment and sporting action at Windsor for just £55.
MAKE A DAY OF IT WITH THE MARQUEE
For those looking to upgrade their experience, The Marquee at Royal Windsor offers a relaxed hospitality option combining racing, food, rugby and a reserved base for the day.
Priced at £65 per person, the package includes:
A reserved table in the Riverbank Marquee
A welcome drink – beer, wine, prosecco or soft drink
Artisan pie and mash
Live coverage of the racing and England v Japan
Hospitality admission and raceday programme
Access to all public areas throughout the racecourse
The covered marquee overlooks the Parade Ring, giving guests a comfortable place to return to throughout the day while still being able to explore the wider racecourse.
Groups of eight or more can save a further £5 per person, with the group package priced at £60 per person.
For racegoers seeking something even more premium, Windsor's hospitality offering also includes trackside dining and private-box experiences, providing options for celebrations, corporate entertaining and special occasions.
A RIVERSIDE DAY OUT WITH A DIFFERENCE
Set on its own island on the banks of the River Thames, Royal Windsor Racecourse offers a distinctive setting for the start of the jumps season.
Racegoers can arrive by car or rail, or make use of Windsor's famous riverboat shuttle from Windsor Promenade to the racecourse's private jetty, creating a memorable start to the day before the first horse even reaches the starting line.
Whether visitors come for the racing, the beer, the rugby, the food or simply a great-value Saturday with friends, the Autumn Beer Festival Raceday is designed to offer something for everyone.
THE PERFECT START TO WINDSOR'S WINTER SEASON
The Autumn Beer Festival Raceday represents a new chapter for Royal Windsor Racecourse – bringing together the excitement of the jumps season with a fresh, social festival atmosphere.
With £5 beers, craft tastings, and house wine all day, seven races, live Autumn Nations Rugby on screens, hospitality from only £60 and a four-day Jump Season Pass for just £55, Windsor is putting value at the heart of its new jumps-season opener.
