Go Racing this September: western-themed raceday at Kempton and Oktoberfest comes to Chester - plus the best St Leger festival deals

We might be slowly heading into autumn, but September is packed with high-class Flat action, from the St Leger at Doncaster to the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown and the Curragh.

While seasoned champions aim to sign off in style, rising stars will burst on to the scene as two-year-olds chase glory and stake their claims for next year’s Classics in the big juvenile races.

Whether you’re talent-spotting or simply enjoying a day out at the races, we’ve got everything covered to help you make the most of your next visit to the track.

September racing highlights in Britain and Ireland

England

North

SPRINT CUP, HAYDOCK: The best sprinters around assemble for Haydock’s biggest Flat race of the season, on a cracking card that also features the Old Borough Cup and Group 3 Superior Mile. Saturday, September 6 (Tickets)

ST LEGER DAY ONE, DONCASTER: The four-day meeting begins with a ladies’ day in every sense, headed by a pair of fillies’ Group 2s – the May Hill Stakes for two-year-olds and the Park Hill Stakes for older horses. Thursday, September 11 (Tickets)

ST LEGER DAY TWO, DONCASTER: The quality steps up as the top stayers vie for Doncaster Cup glory, with the Flying Childers Stakes, Flying Scotsman Stakes and Mallard Handicap also on the card. Friday, September 12 (Tickets)

ST LEGER DAY THREE, DONCASTER: The St Leger headlines the meeting as the world’s oldest Classic, backed by the Champagne Stakes and Park Stakes.. Saturday, September 13 (Tickets)

Jan Brueghel winning last year's St Leger from Illinois (right)Credit: Edward Whitaker

ST LEGER DAY FOUR, DONCASTER: The meeting closes with the ever-popular charity race, the Leger Legends, which always draws plenty of attention, alongside the Group 3 Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes. Sunday, September 14 (Tickets)

South

SEPTEMBER STAKES, KEMPTON: A fixture not to be missed, with the main race often used as a springboard to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Last year it was won by Kalpana and the ante-post Arc favourite is due to line up again en route to Longchamp. Saturday, September 6 (Tickets)

MILL REEF, NEWBURY: This informative Group 2 contest for juveniles is the feature race at a fixture that starts with a bang courtesy of the Group 3 World Trophy over five furlongs. Saturday, September 20 (Tickets)

CAMBRIDGESHIRE DAY ONE, NEWMARKET: The three-day autumn meeting on the Rowley Mile kicks off with the Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes and the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes. Thursday, September 25 (Tickets)

CAMBRIDGESHIRE DAY TWO, NEWMARKET: A high-quality raceday featuring a pair of Group 2s – the Rockfel Stakes and Joel Stakes – supported by the Group 3 Princess Royal Stakes and two Listed contests. Friday, September 26 (Tickets)

CAMBRIDGESHIRE DAY THREE, NEWMARKET: The first leg of the 'autumn double', the Cambridgeshire Handicap, headlines a sensational card also featuring the Cheveley Park Stakes, Middle Park Stakes and Royal Lodge Stakes. Saturday, September 27 (Tickets)

Scotland

AYR GOLD CUP, AYR: Scotland’s premier Flat race always delivers a thrilling spectacle as some of the fastest sprint handicappers battle for a prestigious and valuable prize. Saturday, September 20 (Tickets)

Ireland

IRISH CHAMPIONS FESTIVAL DAY ONE, LEOPARDSTOWN: A fantastic weekend opens with the Irish Champion Stakes – one of the world’s best races – supported by the Matron Stakes and three further Group races. Saturday, September 13 (Tickets)

The Irish Champion Stakes is one of the best races in the worldCredit: Patrick McCann

IRISH CHAMPIONS FESTIVAL DAY TWO, THE CURRAGH: The Irish St Leger headlines a feast of Group 1 action, which also features the Moyglare Stud Stakes, Flying Five Stakes and National Stakes, alongside the Group 2 Blandford Stakes, on a card worth close to €2.5 million in prize-money. Sunday, September 14 (Tickets)

KERRY NATIONAL, LISTOWEL: The prestigious chase – the highlight of the track’s seven-day Harvest festival – is one of Ireland’s richest and most competitive handicaps outside the big spring meetings. Wednesday, September 24 (Tickets)

GOFFS MILLIONS, THE CURRAGH: Europe’s richest race for juveniles is joined on a stellar card by the Group 2 Beresford Stakes. Saturday, September 27 (Tickets)

IRISH CESAREWITCH, THE CURRAGH: The valuable staying handicap tops the bill alongside a pair of Group 2s – the Park Stakes and the Renaissance Stakes. Sunday, September 28 (Tickets)

September racing fixtures in Britain and Ireland

Bargain hunt: this month's best offers for racing tickets

* Doncaster is offering admission to all four days of the St Leger meeting (September 11–14) for £75 in the grandstand and £99 in the county enclosure. Thursday is ladies’ day, Friday is Doncaster Cup day, Saturday is St Leger day and Sunday is Leger Legends funday.

* For Bath’s Sausage & Cider racenight on September 13, a £38.50 package includes admission, a raceday programme and three drinks per person (pints of cider or beer, wine or soft drinks).

* Racegoers attending Yarmouth’s Eastern festival (September 16–18) can upgrade their experience with the VIP centre course lounge for £69.50 per day. The package includes a reserved indoor table, racecard, afternoon tea, private indoor bar and toilets, access to Tote betting facilities and views of the winning post.

* Pontefract’s True Yorkshireman package is available for its remaining fixtures, including September 18 and 25. Priced at £17, the ticket includes grandstand and paddock entry, a pie, a pint (John Smith’s or Foster's) or a glass of house wine and a racecard. Tickets are available online in advance only.

Racecourses with special ticket offers and themed racedays in October can send details to goracing@racingpost.com

Out of the ordinary: five eyecatching events

WILD WILD WEST: Saddle up for Kempton’s first western-themed raceday, packed with entertainment alongside a quality card featuring the always informative September Stakes.

Get into the spirit by donning your Stetson, try your hand at the rodeo bull, and enjoy stilt-walking performers, photo opportunities and live music from Scott Wilkes. Kempton, Saturday 6 (Tickets)

FAMILY FUN DAY: Celebrate the kids heading back to school (just joking . . . or am I?) with an activity-packed day at the races for all the family – at a value-for-money price.

Children go free, of course, and there’s also a family bundle option, giving admission for two adults and two children plus four foot-long hot dogs for £59. Amusements include a funfair, face painters, an entertainment stage, a magic show, a Punch & Judy performance and more. Fontwell, Sunday 7 (Tickets)

END OF SUMMER PARTY: Say goodbye to summer (is it really over already?) with a fun-filled afternoon meeting featuring a post-racing DJ set by Marvin Humes of JLS fame.

Enjoy a wide range of tasty food and refreshing drinks from vendors across the site, all complementing the summer sounds and party atmosphere. Lingfield, Saturday 13 (Tickets)

Oompah bands will be out in force at ChesterCredit: David Carr

OKTOBERFEST: The famous German celebration comes early to Chester as the track closes out another year in style, with a party atmosphere to complement the racing.

Alongside a wide range of beers, enjoy Bavarian bites, oompah bands, fancy dress competitions and plenty of traditional games. Chester, Saturday 20 (Tickets)

BEER, BOOTS & BRIDLES: Bringing a taste of Nashville to Lincolnshire, this country-themed day features entertainment throughout, including live music from party band Country Bound.

Take part in the ‘Best Dressed in the West’ competition, with on-the-spot prizes for those embracing the country-and-western theme, while a wide range of craft ales, lagers and ciders is provided by Grimsby's Docks Beers. Market Rasen, Saturday 27 (Tickets)

Making a day of it: Bath

Tourists have been flooding to Bath for more than 2,000 years and it continues to be one of the gems in the South West, with plenty to do before catching the action at Britain’s highest racecourse, writes James Stevens.

Given the town’s name, it is no surprise that the Roman Baths remain the main attraction in Somerset’s biggest city. Tours are a must, showcasing the incredible infrastructure around the ancient Roman ruins.

You cannot bathe in the historic Unesco site but the Thermae Bath Spa is nestled just around the corner. Prices for a visit start from £41, offering the chance to dip into the naturally warm waters as well as access to an open-air rooftop pool looking over the city.

History can be found in all corners of Bath, with the incredible Bath Abbey the ultimate showpiece. The spires of the stunning medieval church are lit up in the cityscape.

Bath: four fixtures in SeptemberCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Bath’s historic centre is the backdrop for the popular Netflix series Bridgerton as well as several Hollywood films, with city landmarks including the Royal Crescent and Holburne Museum of Art put on the big screen. Those hungry to learn more about the past can feast in Sally Lunn's Kitchen Museum, the city’s oldest house which first opened in 1482.  

There are four fixtures at Bath racecourse in September and the track’s busiest day will undoubtedly be its evening fixture on Saturday 16, with local legends The Wurzels set to perform. You can get into the spirit for the band behind 1976 UK number one The Combine Harvester by attending Britain’s oldest farmers' market, which runs every Saturday at Green Park station. 

Try to avoid the many food offerings in the city centre if planning to take part in the grand final of the sausage-eating contest at the racecourse on the same day.

It is one of two back-to-back days' racing at Bath and the city will have a particularly old-fashioned theme as it also coincides with the Jane Austen festival. The ten-day celebration of the city’s most famous resident holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed in Regency costumes, with more than 1,000 having taken part. 

Ticket prices for Bath in September start from £19 and the track is easily accessible via car, situated between Bath and Bristol just off the M4. Bus services are put on for fixtures, taking customers from Bath Spa station, which is easy to get to from London or Bristol.

Pack the passport: Breeders' Cup at Del Mar

If you watched last year’s Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar and wished you were there, you’re in luck – racing’s world championships returns to the edge of the Pacific once again this year, writes Andrew Dietz.

It’s been rare in recent years for a track to host the meeting back-to-back, and with bright blue skies, glorious sunshine and palm trees swaying in the breeze, Del Mar is a perfect spot for an extended racing trip. The surrounding San Diego area offers plenty to explore.

Known as 'where the turf meets the surf,' Del Mar combines a relaxed beachside vibe with the white-hot intensity of top-level racing, making it a truly unique experience.

Ireland pulled off a ‘greensweep’ of the three turf races last year, and Britain has enjoyed its share of Breeders’ Cup success, so expect plenty of familiar faces to cheer home at the two-day meeting on October 31 and November 1.

Runners in the paddock at Del MarCredit: Edward Whitaker

General admission to the infield – offering a festival-like experience – costs $235 (£173/€200) for the two days, with a range of ticket options to suit all budgets. Stretch Run grandstand seating is also available, but moving fast is essential as tickets are selling out. Full details are on the Breeders' Cup website.

Make the most of the California sun with stunning beaches and al fresco dining; Jake’s Del Mar is a top pick for seafood with ocean views. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is lively, especially on Taco Tuesdays, and La Jolla is ideal for shopping and dining just outside the city.

Other attractions include the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, while Del Mar is conveniently close to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Torrey Pines golf course, one of the country’s premier municipal courses.

For accommodation, the historic beachfront Hotel del Coronado is a Californian landmark and worth a visit, even if staying there is pricey. Ocean-view rooms around Del Mar typically come at a premium, but options abound across the city.

Flying options include San Diego International Airport, easy to navigate but with limited flights, or LAX, which, while further away up the coast, offers a scenic drive down the coast to Del Mar.

Read more . . .

Ballydoyle rocked by shock news that Ryan Moore will miss rest of Flat season with a broken leg 

Ryan Moore injury: what major fixtures will he miss and who might get some big opportunities? 

'He'll be back before you know it' - Ryan Moore will return but surely not as quickly as the rider who starred at Sandown 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.