August may signal the start of a new season in some parts of the world, but across the globe the racing calendar is still busy with elite contests and iconic festivals. From globally based jockeys competing in the Shergar Cup meeting to York's world-class Ebor Festival, USA top tier action and the return of Australia's spring stars, there's plenty to keep racing fans entertained.
Shergar Cup, UK
August 8
There's nothing quite like the Shergar Cup. International jockeys put national pride on the line in a team-based format that offers something a little different from the traditional race meeting.
Inspired by golf's Ryder Cup, the Shergar Cup is a team competition that was first held in 1999. Now celebrating its 25th edition, the event is named in honour of the champion racehorse Shergar and features a six-race contest between four teams.
Joining the competition this year is the new Team Hong Kong, replacing last year's winning Team Asia. They will line up alongside Team Great Britain & Ireland, Team Europe and Team Rest of the World.
And speaking of “World”- for the first time, it will be run as a World Pool fixture.
While the racing remains fiercely competitive, the Shergar Cup meeting is renowned for offering one of the most relaxed and entertaining atmospheres of the British racing season, with plenty of family fun both on and off the track.
Russian Derby, Russia
August 8
Russia's most prestigious Classic, the All-Russian Derby, takes centre stage at Nalchik Hippodrome over 2400 metres. The race has also produced horses capable of competing on the international stage, with the 2024 winner, Tap Leader, going on to campaign during the Dubai Racing Carnival.
UAE President's Cup
August 14, 15 & 30
The global journey of the UAE President's Cup continues throughout August, with the prestigious Purebred Arabian series making stops in the United Kingdom, Spain and Russia.
The eighth leg of the international circuit takes centre stage at Newbury on August 14 before the series heads to San Sebastián, August 15 and then Kazan on the 30th, showcasing the very best of Arabian racing across three nations.
Prix Jacques Le Marois, France
August 16
The Deauville Summer Carnival rolls on with elite Group racing throughout August, including the Prix Jacques Le Marois which is one of five Group 1’s throughout the month.
Racing on the Normandy coast dazzles during the Summer and truly comes alive during this Carnival, consistently attracting Europe's leading trainers and jockeys, while international ownership is well represented throughout the meeting.
York Ebor Festival, UK
August 19-22
One of Europe's premier four-day racing carnivals returns to York. Starting on the Wednesday, the highlight on the carnival’s opening day is the Juddmonte International and is widely regarded as one of the world's best 2000m races, boasting an impressive Honour Roll.
Following on Thursday is the Yorkshire Oaks, featuring the elite fillies, with Friday’s Nunthorpe Stakes, one of Europe's fastest and most prestigious sprint races.
Rounding out the week is the famous Ebor Handicap on Saturday, Britain's richest handicap and the traditional finale to the festival.
Pacific Classic, USA
August 22
California's richest summer dirt race, the Pacific Classic, headlines Del Mar's feature meeting. As one of six Del Mar stakes races designated as a Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' qualifier, the Grade 1 contest provides the winner with an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic at the end of October.
The picturesque seaside racecourse will also stage the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks and Grade 2 Del Mar Mile, making it one of the standout race days on the North American calendar.
Winx Stakes, Australia
August 22
Group 1 racing returns for the new Australian season with the Winx Stakes at Randwick and is named in honour of the legendary mare who won an extraordinary 37 consecutive races.
While Europe continues to revel in its summer festivals, Australia begins its climb towards the country's biggest racing carnival. Just one week later, the Memsie Stakes traditionally launches Melbourne's elite Spring Carnival, while black-type racing in both Sydney and Melbourne welcomes back many of the nation's headline horses from their winter breaks.
From here, the road to Australia's biggest prizes begins, with the countdown to The Everest, the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup officially underway.
Travers Stakes, USA
August 29
Held at Saratoga and one of the most prestigious races for three-year-olds in North America, the Travers Stakes dates back to 1864.
Affectionately known as the 'Mid-Summer Derby' the Grade 1 contest over 2000 metres regularly attracts the season's leading sophomores and often has a major influence on the race for year-end honours.
Steeped in tradition, the Travers Stakes offers more than just prestige. The winning connections are presented with the Man o' War Trophy, crafted by Tiffany & Co., while the victorious horse is draped in a lavish floral blanket. In one of American racing's most iconic traditions, the winner's silks are also painted onto the famous Travers Canoe, which has floated in the infield pond at Saratoga Race Course since 1926.
