BWM news article:
2026 sees the second ever running of the Berkshire Winter Million Festival in collaboration with Ascot Racecourse. It promises thrilling high class racing across the three days with a prize pot of £1.25 million to be won! All available tickets are on sale online and there may still be tickets available on the door. However, if you're lucky enough to be joining us and even if you’ve visited us before, below is some useful information ahead of the event. We can't wait for you to join us in racing away the January blues!
FEATURE RACES:
Friday The Fitzdares Sovereign Hurdle 15:35
Saturday (Ascot) The Bet MGM Clarence House Chase 15:30
Sunday The Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase 15:00
FRIDAY’S EVENT TIMINGS:
- Gates open at 10:40.
- The first race is at 12:40, and the last at 16:05.
- Food and drink outlets remain open 10:00-15:20.
- The gates will close at 16:20.
SUNDAY’S EVENT TIMINGS:
- Gates open at 10:50.
- The first race is at 12:50, and the last at 16:05.
- Food and drink outlets remain open 10:00-15:20.
- The gates will close at 16:20.
ENTERTAINMENT
Remember all U18s go free, and all of the below is included!
Charismatic ex-jockey Alan Johns will be broadcasting live across the course on both days to ensure everyone has a laugh and learns a thing or two about the sport.
The Ceremonial Light Cavalry will be around all day providing a regal presence escorting jockeys and horses around the course, and are always up for a chat!
Friday’s Extras:
- Hound Parade from the Vine and Craven
- Music from Sugar and Sax
Sunday’s Extravaganza:
- Ex-Racehorse parade with the HEROS Charity celebrating their 20th anniversary
- Pony rides
- Farrier demonstrations from Sam Draycott
- Shopping village
- Caricaturist
- Children’s craft corner
- Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos
- Live music
- Jockey gameshows
TRAVEL
This will be a busy event so please allow extra time to travel to and from the racecourse. Arrive as early as you can and remember the bars and food outlets will remain open until racing finishes - so stay a bit longer and enjoy your last sips whilst the traffic eases. We advise people to car share where possible, make use of public transport or walk if you can.
The racecourse is easily accessed by road, river and rail. There is more detailed travel information here but please check local timetables and taxi services before departing.
For updated train information and any planned disruption, please click here.
PARKING
Parking is free on site but limited so will be provided on a first come first served basis. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment and any queues. Please inform the stewards on arrival if you require accessible car parking. Please allow extra time to arrive and stay on after the racing finishes. As mentioned above, we advise people to car share where possible.
Alternatively, depending on availability, you can arrive in style with the French Brothers River Boat taxi service from Windsor Town Centre directly to the racecourse, please visit their site directly to make any enquiries: www.frenchbrothers.co.uk
WEATHER
Please check the local forecast before departing and dress accordingly. Wrap up warm and bring waterproofs as this is an outdoor event with limited indoor space.
NIGHT FOOD & DRINK
A range of bars and food outlets are available serving tasty snacks and drinks. A range of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food options will be available across the racecourse. Please be aware that no food, drink or picnics can be brought into the racecourse.
SECURITY
We take security and safety very seriously. There will be a strong security presence and you will be subject to a bag search on arrival.
Please be patient and limit the bags you bring. Remember, no food or drink can be brought into the racecourse (unless needed for allergies and dietaries and then please call us ahead).
We ask all visitors not to leave bags unattended and to report anything suspicious to a member of staff.
OTHER INFORMATION
Payment
Please remember, the food outlets and bars are card only. There are no cash machines on site.
Dogs
With the exception of Assistance Dogs, dogs are not permitted to enter the racecourse. In the interests of animal welfare, no dogs are permitted to be left in cars and Windsor Racecourse politely request that all dogs are left at home.
Concessions
All kids go free! However no student, OAP or other concessions will be available.
Thank you for booking tickets and above all, enjoy your time at Windsor Racecourse. For any other questions, please contact us.
