Friday 24 April 2026
bet365 Flat Season Opener
This event has now passed. Please view our current events here.
Celebrate the Start of the 2026 Flat Season
The first day of the Sandown flat season, is anything but flat!
You may well see a Derby or Ascot winner at this fixture, with it being the perfect day for the sporting purest.
We get the season off to a sensational start with a day of high-class action, featuring a Group 2 and two Group 3 races including the bet365 Classic Trial, which can see the emergence of a Derby winner.
Timings and Races are subject to change.
| START TIME | RACE | DISTANCE |
|---|---|---|
| 1.20pm | The bet365 Handicap Stakes | 5F |
| 1.50pm | The bet365 Esher Cup Handicap Stakes | 1M |
| 2.25pm | The bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3) | 1M 2F |
| 3.00pm | The bet365 Mile (Group 2) | 1M |
| 3.35pm | The bet365 Classic Trial (Group 3) | 1M 2F |
| 4.10pm | The bet365 'Wild Card' Fillies' Novice Stakes | 1M 2F |
| 4.45pm | Nordoff & Robbins Ozzy Osbourne Memorial Handicap Stakes | 1M 2F |
Stringin it
Celebrate the return of Flat racing at Sandown Park by Stringin It at the bet365 Flat Season Opener. Enjoy live music after racing, great atmosphere, and the perfect chance to unwind as the new season gets underway. Stay on after the final race and make the most of an exciting day on and off the track.
