Newmarket’s iconic Debenhams July Festival drew record-breaking crowds this year, marking its strongest attendance since the pandemic era. Over three sun-soaked days, a total of 36,591 racegoers flocked to the historic Cambridgeshire course, reflecting a noticeable rise in public enthusiasm for flat racing’s summer highlight. This figure represents a 6% jump compared to last year’s turnout and signals a promising resurgence for live racing events in the UK.
Each day of the festival surpassed previous post-Covid benchmarks. Thursday’s Ladies Day proved a major draw, attracting a crowd of 14,426. Festival Friday welcomed 7,461 attendees, while Saturday’s July Cup Day was the busiest of all, with 14,704 fans cheering on the action. Not only did the festival collectively hit a new high in recent years, but each individual day also outperformed previous editions since 2020.
The uplifting atmosphere was helped by glorious weather, a varied hospitality experience, and a strong racing lineup. Fans enjoyed not only the sporting action but also post-racing entertainment that brought a lively and diverse crowd through the gates. Whether attending for top-tier racing, vibrant social scenes, or simply a great day out in the sun, the festival offered something for everyone.
Sophie Able, who leads Newmarket Racecourses and oversees international operations, reflected positively on the turnout. She highlighted how the combination of great weather and compelling racecards created an irresistible invitation for fans from all walks of life. The festival showcased British racing’s unique ability to blend tradition with modern entertainment in an inclusive setting.
This year also brought significant achievements for racing connections. The Godolphin team had a remarkable run, securing eight wins across the 21 races. Trainer Richard Hughes claimed a career milestone with his first-ever Group One success, taking the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup in a thrilling finish.
The event’s success was made possible by a coordinated effort across teams on-site. Able extended appreciation to sponsors such as Debenhams, the Kingdom of Bahrain, bet365, Tattersalls, and Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai. Their support added to the grandeur and professionalism of the occasion, with Al Basti’s inaugural July Cup sponsorship ending in spectacular fashion.
The behind-the-scenes team at Newmarket also earned well-deserved praise. From the promotional build-up to maintaining pristine grounds during intense heat, the staff’s dedication stood out. Andrew Morris, the Clerk of the Course, and Head Groundsman Alan Hatherley were specifically applauded for their leadership. Their crew worked tirelessly to keep the course in prime condition, often watering and prepping the track during unsociable hours to ensure peak performance and safety.
In every aspect—crowds, racing quality, entertainment, and organisation—the 2025 edition of the Debenhams July Festival reminded everyone why Newmarket remains the beating heart of British flat racing.
