Day 1 Thur  July 23	Depart the U.S., if not joining the trip from London or elsewhere.
Day 2 Fri  July 24	Arrive in London. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our accommodation at the Macdonald Hotel in nearby Windsor, to the west of London. We can also collect you in central London if you’re already there. The remainder of your arrival day is free for your adjustment and personal activities. At about 5:30PM we'll convene the group for a get-acquainted cocktail hour and go over our plans for the coming days. We'll make a booking at a nearby restaurant for those who want to join in on a no-host basis. THE MACDONALD WINDSOR is ideally located for all of our upcoming activities. The Castle is just steps away, Eton and the Thames River are within a few minutes' walk, and all amenities and conveniences are immediately available. The location to the west of London makes transit to our racing and training venues a great deal easier than if we were based in central London. Visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/windsor to learn more about the property. A full English breakfast is included each morning of our stay.
Day 3 Sat  July 25	This morning you could choose to start slow and concentrate on your handicapping, or alternatively, have a bit of a wander around Windsor. If you're nimble, you might be able to squeeze in a visit to the Castle before we have to leave for racing at around noon. (The Castle opens at 10AM.) Then we're off to Ascot for our first big day of racing. Today's feature is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, annually one of the most significant races of the entire European season. The twelve-furlong "King George" is always a factor in determining the year's champions, and it's often the occasion for the leading 3-year-olds to take the first crack at their elders. The list of winners is a "Who's Who" of post-war European racing that includes Ribot, Ballymoss, Match II, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Shergar, Nashwan, Lammtarra, Daylami, Montjeu, Galileo, three-time winner Enable, and 2025's top-rated internationalist Calandagan. It's also a "win-and-you're-in" race for the Breeders' Cup Turf. We'll have premier enclosure credentials, allowing us access to a restricted seating area with good viewing of the big event and a typically strong Ascot undercard. Following the racing we'll motor over to nearby Cheapside for a Racing-Europe tradition: a post-Ascot no-host dinner at the 400-year-old Thatched Tavern, a local landmark and a place where we always have a lot of fun. We can arrange a direct transfer back to the hotel for any who would prefer to be on their own.
Day 4 Sun  July 26	Today is an OPEN DAY for you to use as you please. You could go into London for the day (train service is frequent), poke around Windsor and its environs, or even hire a car and driver for a day trip into the nearby Cotswalds.
Day 5 Mon  July 27	Our day starts with a special treat: a journey out to Hampshire and a visit to one of England's most historic private training yards -- one that is still sending runners out at a championship level today. Horses had long taken to the downland turf in and around the village of Kingsclere, and it was here in 1867 a new yard was built by Sir Joseph Hawley and the young trainer John Porter put in charge. What followed was 38 years of phenomenal performance which included three Triple Crown winners, seven Derbies, four Ascot Gold Cups, three Oaks, and an overall total of 23 Classic races. The unbeaten Ormonde, the Triple Crown winner of 1886 and considered one of the greats of the 19th Century, was the best of this parade of high quality. Porter retired in 1905, and Kingsclere was taken over by a syndicate of Dukes who placed William Waugh in charge. Though not at the level of Porter's success, under Waugh the yard sent out several Classic winners and a number of other good ones. The facility was not in use for race horse training from1924 to 1934, but a resumption of activity in 1937 brought trainer Fred Butters into the picture and he immediately won the Derby that year. During the war years of 1939 to 1945 the yard was again silent and for a time quartered American soldiers while they prepared to liberate France. Evan Williams, a former jump jockey re-started the yard after the war. Williams was an associate of the famous jump trainer Aubrey Hastings, who'd trained four Grand National winners at a nearby establishment in Hampshire. Aubrey's son Peter Hastings bought Kingsclere in 1953 and sent out over 300 winners in the next ten years. He died aged only 43, and his assistant Ian Balding took over the reins in 1964. The next great chapter of Kingsclere begins there. Ian Balding trained for 39 years and saddled over 2,000 winners, including 123 in Group-level races. His masterpiece was Mill Reef - the Derby, King George, and Arc winner of 1971 and an arguable candidate for one of the best racers of the 20th Century. Ian retired in 2003 and the training license passed to his son Andrew, who currently runs the yard. Andrew has continued the success of Kingsclere, sending out 22 Group 1 winners, including three Classic victors, and well over a hundred total Group winners. He regularly ranks in the top ten of British trainers by money won, and in 2025 took in more domestic prize money than any other England-based trainer. He currently has one of the leading 2026 Classic hopefuls in the barn along with with 250 others. He's still awaiting his Ormonde or his Mill Reef, but the Century is young yet. Following our visit, we'll have a pub lunch in the nearby village of Kingsclere itself, before heading back to Windsor. By late afternoon we'll be back home to change silks for tonight's racing at the local racecourse. The Windsor Monday evening races are a regular and delightful part of the summer season, and atmosphere rather than big-time racing is the primary appeal here. The eccentric figure-8 course, set into a bend of the Thames River, sometimes takes the horses completely out of view. For a few of the longer races the layout allows for a short walk over the infield and a close-up of the start – with plenty of time to amble back across to the finish line and see the field come back by again. We'll have premier enclosure badges, and seating for a casual dinner at a paddock-side restaurant during the racing.
Day 6 Tue  July 28	Mid-morning we'll say our goodbyes to The Macdonald Windsor and make a two-hour motor transfer to the Goodwood Hotel, our base near Goodwood Racecourse in West Sussex. Close proximity to the racecourse is the main reason behind our lodging choice here, but this property has been extensively upgraded in recent years and is a very comfortable place to put up. THE GOODWOOD HOTEL is set within the 12,000-acre Goodwood Estate. It has a spa, a pool and fitness center, casual as well as fine dining, and a convivial bar we'll no doubt be spending some time in together. If you're extending beyond our trip dates, there's an adjacent golf course with rental clubs available, and the hotel is also not far from the historic city of Chichester, where a performance at the Festival Theatre might be of interest. Visit the hotel website at www.goodwood.co.uk/the-goodwood-hotel to see more. A full English breakfast is included each morning of our stay. We won't linger after arrival and check-in today, just long enough for a freshen-up, and then we'll be off to the racecourse for the first day of "Glorious Goodwood". The five-day July-August race meeting at Goodwood traces its roots back to 1801 and has occupied its present spot in the calendar since 1814. It's rivalled in longevity and prestige only by Royal Ascot among the top English racing festivals. Formal morning dress was de rigeur at the meeting until 1906, when King Edward VII appeared without warning in an easier deck-out, proclaiming Goodwood to be "a garden party with racing tacked on", that should be dressed for accordingly. His lead has been enthusiastically followed down to the present day and the race-goers' smart summer attire is one of the elements that gives the Glorious meeting its particularly distinctive atmosphere. Bring your Panama. Further for the historically minded, a number of procedures we take for granted today were originated at Goodwood in the 1800s, including mandatory pre-race public saddling and the draw for post positions. Another unique feature of Goodwood is the racecourse itself. By general acclaim it's considered England's most beautiful course, and many observers rate it as the most attractive anywhere. The course footprint is among the world's most unusual as well: it's L-shaped rather than an enclosed circuit, and to a six-furlong straight is appended an expansive loop going off at an angle to enable longer distances to be run. Races start at and go off to an array of different places, in some cases traversing the same spot on the course in different directions during the same race. At the racing, both today and tomorrow, we'll have access to the exclusive Richmond Enclosure and a block of reserved seats with excellent viewing. The opening day headliner is the Group 1 Goodwood Cup, a two-miler that is one of the most important "stayers" races of the European season. Supporting features include the Group 2 Lennox Stakes, one of three European Group 1's at the seven-furlong distance, and the Group 2 Vintage Stakes for 2-year-olds, also at seven furlongs, and a race that has produced many fine runners over the years. A number of rich handicaps will round out the card. One of the pleasures of Goodwood on a fine day is a post-race hang-back at the Champagne Bar on the Richmond Enclosure lawn, to soak up the surroundings while the daylight softens and the traffic thins out. We have options both casual and elegant in the area for a no-host dinner tonight, and we'll take the group's temperature in advance of the trip, as pre-booking will be necessary. Those preferring to can go straight back to the hotel at their time of choosing.
Day 7 Wed  July 29	This can be another slow morning if that's what you're in the mood for – there is plenty to do on the hotel grounds. A foray into Chichester may have appeal for the more ambitious. Early afternoon we'll head out for Day Two of Glorious Goodwood, and one of the better days of racing in Europe all year. Leading the card is the one-mile Group 1 Sussex Stakes. Similar to the King George, this race frequently pits the top 3-year-olds against their elders at this specialty distance for the first time. It always draws a high-class field –the undefeated Frankel won two renewals and other recent winners have included Toronado, Kingman, Too Darn Hot, Baaeed, and 2025 Breeders' Cup Mile winner Notable Speech. The undercard includes the Group 3 Oak Tree for the distaffers at seven furlongs, and the five-panel Group 3 Molecombe for speed-oriented juveniles. Assuming we can pry everyone away from the  Champagne Bar after the races, we can organize another no-host dinner at an area pub, or to make it simpler, just dine at the hotel. In any case, these may be our last hours together as a complete group, so we hope everyone will want to congregate on the lawn for at least one final farewell pop together.
Day 8 Thur  July 30	The organized itinerary ends after breakfast and checkout this morning. For those who have to go, good luck and travel safely. We'll provide a transfer to your London airport, central London, or other closer U.K. onward point if you are continuing your journey in England. Those extending at the hotel will get their transfer on their day of departure. If you're staying for more of Glorious Goodwood, the meeting runs three more days through Saturday. Thursday's card is headed by the Group 1 Nassau Stakes, a very important ten-furlong test for fillies and mares, and two other Group races; Friday features a Group 2, a Group 3, and the unique 2 5/8 mile Goodwood Handicap which covers every inch of the course; and Saturday has a group 2 and a Group 3. If you are continuing on to Deauville with us, we'll be leaving the hotel late morning and transferring to Portsmouth to catch our ferry to France. The crossing will take about six hours and, following customs and another overland transfer, we'll get to our Deauville hotel mid-to-late evening. Friday will be a rest day until we reassemble for cocktails at about 5:30PM.

 

CLOSING DATE

This trip will close on April 15, 2026. Payment in full and all necessary completed paperwork must be received by us no later than this date to insure that you will be able to join the trip.

COME EARLY, STAY LATE:

This itinerary is designed to be full and busy. For those preferring a more leisurely experience, we invite you to consider coming to England earlier and/or extending beyond our trip dates.

The Macdonald in Windsor and the Goodwood in Sussex will accommodate requests for extensions as best they can, but the space is not blocked or guaranteed. The demand is extremely heavy, however, particularly at the Goodwood. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are wanting extra nights at either of our hotels.

ITINERARY & PRICES:

The itinerary includes:

• Four(4) nights lodging at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel.
• Two(2) nights lodging at the Goodwood Hotel in West Sussex.
• Full English breakfast each morning.
• Lunch on one(1) day: July 27 in Kingsclere.
• Dinner on one(1) evening: July 27 at Windsor Racecourse.
• Welcome cocktails on July 24.
• Training yard visit in Hampshire on July 27.
• Transfer on arrival from London airport to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. (Please note the trip price includes transfers from Heathrow Airport. Transfers can also be arranged from Gatwick or other airports, or from central London; however there will be a surcharge for these.)
• Group transfer from the Macdonald Windsor Hotel to the Goodwood Hotel.
• Outgoing transfer from the Goodwood Hotel to London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, central London, or other closer onward destination in the U.K. (Please note the trip price includes transfers to Heathrow or Gatwick airports; other destinations may incur a surcharge.)
• Complimentary racing newspaper each day.
• Accompaniment throughout by a knowledgeable American escort.

The itinerary does not include:

• Airfare to and from the U.S.A.
• The cost of lunch on any day, or dinner except on the day indicated.

The Cost of the Trip does not include:

• Any charges incurred at hotels other than the basic cost of the room, including but not limited to room service, mini-bar, television or video, restaurant or bar service, laundry or dry-cleaning, business services, golf or other activities, and independent activities arranged through hotel concierges. (All group members will be required to provide a credit card imprint upon check-in at each hotel to guarantee payment for any individual charges.)
• Excess baggage charges. Please check trans-Atlantic and intra-European air flight baggage allowances.
• Costs related to obtaining passports or visas.
• Travel insurance.
• Alcoholic beverages, except for the welcome cocktail hour.
• Charges incurred for anything other than what is specified in "The Itinerary Includes" summary above.
• Personal gratuities. As part of our arrangements we will tip our in-trip drivers, farm and barn personnel, and hotel staff on behalf of the group. Group members should appropriately tip their inbound and outbound transfer drivers, and anyone else who provides them with personal assistance, including special assistance from hotel staff. Please note your principal tour escort does not expect and will not accept a gratuity.

The Cost of the Trip Is:

$3,975 per person, based on double occupancy (thirteen or more travelers).
$4,125 per person, based on double occupancy (ten to twelve travelers).
$4,225 per person, based on double occupancy (eight or nine travelers).

$1,035 single supplement, regardless of group size.

*Please note we have not received final pricing for some minor elements of this trip, and the trip price is therefore subject to minor adjustment until we do.

We will attempt to match single travelers wishing to double up and thereby avoid the Single Supplement, however it will always be the single traveler's decision whether or not to accept a roommate.

Trip prices are subject to change up to thirty(30) days prior to trip departure to reflect fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the United States and the United Kingdom. Dollar prices quoted here are based on the following exchange rate:

1 US $ = 0.763 UK pound // 1 UK pound = 1.31 US $

OPTIONS:

• Additional Nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel in Windsor and/or the Goodwood Hotel in West Sussex: please inquire with us.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

*This trip is designed for eight(8) to sixteen(16) people. We will make every effort to operate the trip, however we reserve the right to cancel the trip if it has less than eight(8) subscribers. Should we need to cancel the trip, all payments made to Racing-Europe toward the cost of the trip will be fully and promptly refunded.

*Please note the day we attend Ascot Racecourse is not part of the Royal Ascot meeting.

*You must have a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom.

*If you are departing the U.K. directly from the Goodwood Hotel, please note the approximate transfer time from the hotel to Heathrow airport is approximately two hours, and you must arrive at the airport to check in by the time your airline has advised you. We recommend leaving The Goodwood Hotel a minimum of five (5) hours prior to your flight departure time. Therefore, we advise a departure time for your flight from London be as late in the day as you can make it, consistent with the time you want to be back in the U.S.
 

Racing photos © www.actionplus.co.uk.
Other photos courtesy of The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Ascot Racecourse, Kingsclere, Windsor Racecourse, and Goodwood Racecourse.
 

 
View the Itinerary for our other 2026 trip:

For Late July-Early August (France), click here
 

 

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