Ayr Gold Cup 2026: How to watch Europe's richest sprint handicap, prize money, tickets, history, and odds

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.

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

When is the Ayr Gold Cup 2026?

The Ayr Gold Cup takes place on the final day of the festival on Saturday, September 19, starting at 3.40pm.

What other races take place at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival 2026?

The full list of races over the three days, and the prize money up for grabs, is as follows:

Opening Day – Thursday, September 17

• 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

Ladies Day – Friday, September 18

• 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 (CLASS 5) £9,000
• 4.45pm: The Slater Menswear Handicap Stakes (CLASS 5) £9,000

Ayr Gold Cup Day – Saturday, September 19

• 1.20pm: The Ladbrokes Free Bet at Ayr Handicap Stakes (Class 2) £45,000
• 1.55pm: The Ladbrokes Big Football Bet Builder Boosts Doonside Cup Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race) £60,000
• 2.30pm: The Ladbrokes Ayr Silver Cup Handicap Stakes (Class 2) £65,000
• 3.05pm: The Ladbrokes Get Rewarded with Ladbucks Firth Of Clyde (Class 1) (Group 3)(For The Ayrshire Agricultural Challenge Cup) £75,000
• 3.40pm: The Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Handicap Stakes (Class 2) (Heritage Handicap) £180,000
• 4.15pm: The British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (Class 2) £40,000
• 4.50pm: The Jordan Electrics Handicap Stakes (Class 4) £17,000

How much prize money is available at the Ayr Gold Cup 2026?

The Ayr Gold Cup is worth £180,000, making it the most valuable flat race handicap in Europe.

Can I get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup 2026?

You can still get tickets for the Ayr Gold Cup, with day tickets starting at £24 and three day tickets from £67. There are also a multitude of hospitality tickets and packages available. Check them all out here.

Can I watch the Ayr Gold Cup 2026 on television?

The Ayr Gold Cup will be broadcast live on ITV3 and on The Racingf Channel.

Who are the favourites to win the Ayr Gold Cup 2026?

The full field for the Ayr Gold Cup will be confirmed on Thursday, September 17, but the current favourites are Binhareer (9/2), Coul Angel (8/1), Thunder Call (8/1), Dance in the Storm (10/1), Far Above Dream (10/1) and Twilight Calls (12/1).

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