In a thrilling announcement for racing enthusiasts, Sandown Park is all set to host the highly anticipated Brigadier Gerard Evening on May 29, 2025. Celebrated as Britain’s richest evening race meeting, this exceptional race night promises a combination of top-class racing, a festive atmosphere, and live entertainment that encapsulates the excitement of the flat racing season. Endearingly referred to as “London’s Night At The Races,” this annual fixture continues to attract some of the most competitive contenders in the sport while offering spectators an unforgettable night out at one of the UK’s most iconic racecourses.
The prestigious evening is timed perfectly at the crossroads of late spring and early summer, setting an atmospheric backdrop for the occasion. As the sun sets over the lush Surrey venue, the electric energy of the crowd, combined with the rising stakes on the turf, makes for a truly immersive experience. Sandown’s rich heritage as a proving ground for future stars adds further allure to the event, which year after year delivers moments that become etched in the memory of racing fans.
This year’s six-race card features an impressive lineup of contests, headlined by two Group 3 races—the Star Sports Henry II Stakes and the Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes. These are scheduled back-to-back in the middle of the evening, creating an exhilarating centerpiece for the racegoers. These elite contests often reveal the next generation of champions. A notable example is Bay Bridge, who won the Brigadier Gerard Stakes in 2022 before claiming Group 1 glory in the Champion Stakes at Ascot, proving the calibre of competitors Sandown attracts.
The action begins at 6:05 PM with a 1-mile Handicap Stakes. This opening contest will ignite the excitement in the stands as a full field of competitive runners battle for early evening supremacy. The first race sets the tone for what’s to follow—fast-paced, top-tier racing in a lively setting. Fans can expect a high level of participation and performance as trainers look to kick off the evening with a win.
At 6:35 PM, the listed National Stakes takes center stage. This sharp 5-furlong sprint features some of the most precocious speedsters, often two-year-olds aiming to make an early mark in their careers. With high velocity and fierce competition, the National Stakes is a crowd favorite that always delivers fireworks, keeping fans on their toes right until the finish line.
The first Group 3 feature of the evening, the Star Sports Henry II Stakes, is scheduled for 7:05 PM. This 2-mile stamina test will see stayers push themselves to the limit in a strategic and demanding race. A strong performance here often signals potential participation in races like the Ascot Gold Cup or other long-distance events across the summer calendar. It’s a vital test for future staying stars and is sure to produce a thrilling finish.
Soon after, at 7:35 PM, attention turns to the highlight of the night—the Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes. Run over 1 mile and 2 furlongs, this Group 3 contest is known for attracting classy middle-distance runners and often serves as a stepping stone to elite Group 1 contests later in the season. Horses that succeed here are often those destined for greatness. The race brings a blend of raw speed and tactical brilliance, and for many fans, it is the crown jewel of the evening.
With the two premier contests concluded, the night is far from over. At 8:05 PM, the Heron Stakes, another listed contest over 1 mile, brings forward emerging three-year-olds looking to climb the ranks. This race is frequently used as a launching pad for progressive horses on their way to bigger races such as the St James’s Palace Stakes or the Sussex Stakes. It adds another layer of depth to the evening, reinforcing Sandown’s role in developing future stars.
The final race of the night, set for 8:40 PM, is the Whitsun Cup Handicap Stakes, a competitive 1-mile handicap that closes the evening with intensity. With a full field expected, the closing contest ensures that excitement remains high all the way to the finish. This concluding race is known for its unpredictability and provides one last opportunity for punters and racing fans to cheer on their selections under the twilight skies.
But the excitement doesn’t end when the horses cross the final finish line. As the sun sets on the racecourse, the energy shifts to celebration mode. Attendees are invited to stay for live music by “Stringin’ It”, performing well-loved tracks in their unique style at the Grandstand. It’s the perfect way to unwind and toast to a thrilling evening of racing. Additionally, two photobooths in the Surrey Hall will be available, offering guests the chance to snap memorable photos against beautifully curated backdrops—ideal for preserving the magic of the night.
With a packed racecard, elite competition, musical entertainment, and a festive summer ambiance, Brigadier Gerard Evening 2025 promises to be one of the standout nights of the British racing season. Whether you’re a dedicated racing fan or just looking for a spectacular evening out, Sandown Park on May 29 is the place to be. See you at the races!
