Christmas Racing at Ascot: fine jumping, festive dining and a view of the winning post! Friday 18th December2026

Join us for a pre-Christmas afternoon at Ascot: good racing, good fellowship, Champagne and a four-course lunch with excellent wines in the warmth of the Windsor Forest Restaurant overlooking the winning post. Add a table of friends and a little Christmas cheer, and you have the makings of a splendid day out.

We’ll be there on Friday 18th December, the opening day of Ascot’s Howden Christmas Racing Weekend, with a fine afternoon’s jumping that includes the Grade 2 Howden Noel Novices’ Chase and a Listed National Hunt Flat Race. And with the Windsor Forest’s enviable position overlooking the winning post, Members can enjoy the racing, dining and good company in considerable comfort.

A good afternoon’s jumping

Friday’s card features the Grade 2 Howden Noel Novices’ Chase, a race with an impressive roll of honour that includes Simonsig and Politologue, both subsequent Cheltenham Festival winners. It offers the chance to see some of the most promising young chasers in action, with the possibility of spotting a future star.

The programme also includes the Listed Scudamore National Hunt Flat Race, named in recognition of the Scudamore family’s considerable contribution to the jumping game. Last year’s winner, Bass Hunter, went on to finish third in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival—another reminder that Ascot’s December meeting can provide valuable pointers to the future.

With novice races and handicaps completing the card, there’s plenty to interest jumping enthusiasts throughout the afternoon. And, as every racegoer knows, the most interesting horse on the day isn’t necessarily the winner of the most valuable race.

The Windsor Forest: a splendid place to spend a winter afternoon

The Windsor Forest Restaurant is particularly well placed for a December day’s racing. Situated in Ascot’s Grandstand and overlooking the winning post, it combines excellent views of the action with the warmth and comfort of an elegant dining room.

Members can settle in with Champagne on arrival before enjoying a four-course lunch, with wines and other drinks included throughout the hospitality period. Afternoon tea follows later in the day, while racecards, racing papers and betting facilities are all conveniently to hand.

Keen racegoers will head out to the paddock to study the runners. The pleasure of returning to a warm restaurant, with the course spread out before you and another glass of something agreeable waiting at the table, is a considerable attraction on a December afternoon.

Bring friends together for Christmas

The Windsor Forest arrangement is especially appealing for a Christmas gathering. Private tables are available for parties of two to twelve, so Members can enjoy the occasion as a couple, invite another couple or two, or bring together a larger party of friends.

And unlike organising a conventional Christmas lunch, the entertainment is provided by the horses. With admission, dining, drinks and the racing all included, there is very little left to arrange beyond deciding whom to invite.

A particularly attractive Member arrangement

CountryClubuk has arranged a special rate of £319 plus VAT (£382.80 including VAT compared with the usual £418.80).

The Windsor Forest Christmas Racing Event includes:

• Private table for between 2 & 12 guests
• Champagne on arrival
• Raceday admission
• Four course lunch
• Afternoon tea
• Complimentary bar including beers, wines, spirits & soft drinks
• Betting facilities in the restaurant
• Racecards & racing papers
• Table flowers

The complete day’s racing, dining and drinks is particularly good value for an Ascot occasion.

Getting to Ascot

Ascot is conveniently reached from London and many parts of the country. South Western Railway services run from London Waterloo and Reading, with average journey times of approximately 52 and 27 minutes respectively. Ascot station is around seven minutes’ walk from the racecourse.

For those travelling by car, the racecourse is readily accessible from the M3, M4 and M40, with parking arrangements to be confirmed when booking.

Raceday information

Date: Friday 18th December 2026

Venue: Windsor Forest Restaurant, Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire SL5 7JX

Gates open: 10.45am

First race: Approximately 12.35–12.40pm

Last race: Approximately 3.30–3.35pm

Hospitality closes: Approximately 4.45pm

Dress: Smart, comfortable winter clothing. No formal jumps-season dress code applies.

CountryClubuk Member price: £319 plus VAT (£382.80 including VAT) per person.

Private tables for two to 12 guests. All bookings subject to availability and confirmation.

Join us at Ascot

Whether you’re gathering friends for a Christmas celebration or simply enjoying a day at the races together, the Windsor Forest promises a thoroughly agreeable combination of good jumping, excellent dining and convivial company.

To enquire about availability or reserve your table, please contact CountryClubuk Member Services on 020 7399 2960.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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