2026 Grand Military race meeting – Sandown Park, Fri 6 Feb 26

2026 Grand Military race meeting – Sandown Park, Fri 6 Feb 26

This year’s Grand Military race meeting at Sandown Park racecourse will be held on Friday 6 February. 

As usual, the meeting consists of six races, four professional and two for military jockeys: The Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Memorial Amateur Handicap Hurdle and the Grand Military Gold Cup.  Jockeys come from across the three Services.

The meeting provides quality racing in a relaxed environment to meet friends and celebrate service in the Armed Forces.  Any support you can give is very much appreciated.

 Grandstand Enclosure tickets can be purchased at the discount price of £10, redeemable with the promotional code GMGC26 when booking in advance at Tickets at Sandown Park.  If you are interested in securing a regimental or Corps box Sandown Park might also offer discounts to units.

• The sponsor, Army Sport, are dedicated to creating opportunities for serving military personnel to take part in sport at every level – they keenly support military horse racing. 
• On the day you will enjoy two races with amateur military riders at the top of their sport, as well several in activations aimed at displaying what sport is available to serving military personnel, in Sandown Park’s (SP) main hall.
• SP will also offer a chance for Veterans to reconnect with each other and the broader military family.
• Through Army Engagement, you will see more than 1,000 young people on site, hearing inspirational stories of those with military careers and seeing what is on offer from a military career.
• For 2026 therefore, the purpose of Grand Military Gold Cup Day, is to celebrate the three generations of our Armed Forces Family, serving, served and those yet to serve, and you are very welcome to enjoy every part of the day alongside our whole military family.

Itinerary

11.45am -Gates open

11.45am -Chelsea Pensioners Choir Sing in the Main Foyer to Welcome Guests

12.15pm- Opening Ceremony Commences in the Parade Ring, featuring the Pipes and Drums of Gordon’s School and Standard Bearers of the Royal British Legion.

12.40pm- Parade of Rebel Tribesman in the Parade Ring.  This is a horse syndicated by Old Gold Racing in support of Walking with the Wounded.

Throughout the day enjoy:

A selection of Capel Classic Military Vehicles around site.

Army at Work and Army at Play displays in the Main Hall.

Horse Drawn Heritage display in the centre of the Grandstand.

Racing commences:

1.45pm Racing commences with the first military race.

2.45pm Grand Military Gold Cup Race (Third race),