From the regal elegance of Royal Ascot to the thundering thrill of the Kentucky Derby, the exhilarating equestrian world provides some of the most luxurious and eagerly anticipated events on the global sporting and social calendar.
Whether you opt for Thoroughbred racing in dazzling Dubai or indulge in eventing at an exquisite English estate, Air Partner’s unparalleled experience and worldwide network of experts, spread across 24 global offices, ensure you’ll benefit from bespoke travel solutions of the very highest standard.
So, saddle up as we explore the world’s most prestigious equestrian events and what makes them so spectacular.
The Cheltenham Festival
- Where? Cheltenham, United Kingdom
- When? March
The undisputed highlight of the jump racing calendar draws fans from across the world to watch the sport’s biggest names and the best horses vie for glory at this legendary racecourse in mid-March.
Across the festival’s four adrenaline-fuelled days, visitors can enjoy 28 races contested over hurdles or fences, including 14 Grade 1 events. Each day holds a feature race, but the pinnacle of the week is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which takes place on Friday. For jump racing fans, the festival really is the greatest show on earth.
From private suites and boxes with panoramic views to delectable dining experiences, luxury lounges, personalised service, and behind-the-scenes tours, the Cheltenham Festival expertly caters to lovers of the finer things in life. It also provides an excellent opportunity to show off classic British style and don your heritage tweed, fur, flat cap, or fedora. The racecourse is located just outside the delightful city of Cheltenham, in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Nearest airport to the event: A helicopter ride from Bristol International Airport to Cheltenham Racecourse will take around 20 minutes, or 40 minutes from London. Guests can land a few hundred metres from the course, where a chauffeur-driven vehicle will take them directly to the stands.
The Dubai World Cup
- Where? Dubai, UAE
- When? March
As you’d expect from one of the world’s glitziest cities, the Dubai World Cup is an opulent celebration of excellence and athleticism. This ever-impressive flat racing event takes place annually on the last Saturday in March at the plush Meydan Racecourse, home to the world’s longest grandstand and a host of top-notch amenities. The prize purse for the nine high-stakes races stands at over $30 million, with around $12 million awarded to the winner of the 2000m (10f) Dubai World Cup feature race. With such a prize, the event attracts many of the leading flat trainers, jockeys, and Thoroughbreds.
Racing begins in the afternoon and culminates under the moon, stars, and stadium lights, before being followed by a drone or fireworks display and a performance from an international superstar. And if that wasn’t enough, the Dubai World Cup is also a veritable fashion extravaganza, where stylish racegoers flaunt statement looks, impeccable styling, colourful hats, and couture creations that rival even the drama on the track.
Nearest airport to the event: Dubai is served by multiple airports, including Dubai International and Al Maktoum International, which are both just a short 30-minute drive from Meydan Racecourse.
Badminton Horse Trials
- Where? South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
- When? May
Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events on the equestrian calendar, Badminton Horse Trials attracts top talent from around the world to compete in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping at this illustrious four-day event.
One of only seven competitions with an FEI five-star designation, which is the pinnacle of the sport, Badminton is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and prestigious equestrian events in the world. 
Badminton Horse Trials take place annually in May on the grounds of the storied Badminton House estate. The idyllic estate welcomes around 200,000 spectators to the event every year.
When not marvelling at the horsemanship, visitors can soak up the quintessential English charm of the Cotswolds, with its beautiful honey-hued houses, cobblestone streets, and abundance of quaint cafés, cosy pubs, and sleek boutique hotels.
Nearest airport to the event: Bristol International Airport is around 25 miles away, while London’s airports are all about 100 miles away. For convenient access, Badminton is served by its own heliport.
Kentucky Derby
- Where? Louisville, USA
- When? May
The Kentucky Derby has been held annually since 1875 and is the longest-running and most celebrated equestrian event in North America, and one of the most famous in the world. Located at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, this much-loved flat racing event, dubbed "the most exciting two minutes in sports", is all about tradition, speed, spirited competition, and Southern charm.
Each year, on the first Saturday in May, the Derby sees some of the world’s finest three-year-old Thoroughbreds thundering down the dirt track, vying for victory over a distance of 1.25 miles.
Twelve races take place on Derby Day, and the event draws elite horses, trainers, and jockeys who are eager to etch their names in racing history. It also doubles as a fashion showcase, where finery-clad spectators show off their dapper suits, chic dresses, and creative millinery whilst enjoying the high-end hospitality.
Nearest airport to the event: Louisville International Airport is conveniently located only 4 miles from Churchill Downs.
Longines Global Champions Tour
- Where? Worldwide
- When? Multiple dates
The Longines Global Champions Tour captivates visitors with its fusion of elegance, excitement, and elite show jumping competition. Set in some of the most iconic cities, the tour showcases top talent as they navigate unique courses against breathtaking backdrops.
With a staggering prize purse of over €36 million, the tour attracts many of the top 30 ranked riders in the FEI Jumping World Rankings and promises fierce competition across a maximum of 15 rounds. The first meeting tends to take place in March or April, with events running until November.
Catering to discerning attendees seeking the epitome of sporting entertainment and hospitality, you’ll find a host of exclusive VIP packages, gourmet dining options, behind-the-scenes tours, and trendy events to further elevate the offering.
From the glamorous shores of Cannes to the bustling streets of Shanghai and the enchanting allure of Rome, each lavish location promises an unforgettable experience. So much so that many choose to experience multiple stages of this impressive tour.
Royal Ascot
- Where? Ascot, United Kingdom
- When? June
Rich in pomp and pageantry, Royal Ascot is the jewel in the crown of British equestrian events. For five glorious days each June, Royal Ascot welcomes the finest in Thoroughbred flat racing to compete in one of 34 races, which include eight competitive Grade 1 events, such as the esteemed Queen Anne Stakes, the Gold Cup, and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
The action unfolds amidst the splendour of Ascot Racecourse, with its exhilarating blend of racing, royal patronage, and sartorial style. Each day commences with a Royal Procession, setting the tone for the opulent affair.
The event is renowned for its dress code, and the grandstands, enclosures, and chic champagne bars are always full of glamorous attendees adorned in their most exquisite attire. This refined race meeting offers a wealth of VIP options, from private boxes or lodges with unbeatable views of the course to exclusive enclosures and fine dining experiences.
Nearest airport to the event: London’s private jet airports and major international airports are all only a short helicopter transfer of around 20 minutes from Ascot Racecourse Heliport.
CHIO Aachen
- Where? Aachen, Germany
- When? June
Germany has long been an equestrian powerhouse, consistently producing elite riding talent and some of the finest dressage and show jumping horses. So, it's no surprise that it also hosts one of the world’s most widely respected and competitive competitions, CHIO Aachen.
An annual event that begins in late June and lasts just over a week, CHIO Aachen is renowned for its electric atmosphere, extraordinary stadiums, and diverse card of events featuring dressage, show jumping, eventing, four-in-hand driving, and vaulting. From the Rolex Grand Prix show jumping competition to the Deutsche Bank Prize dressage display, attendees are in for an outstanding sporting spectacle.
Located only an hour from the popular cities of Düsseldorf and Cologne, with their high-end hotels, divine restaurants, historic Old Towns and designer shops, CHIO Aachen is a must-visit.
Nearest airport to the event: Maastricht Aachen Airport is ideally situated only a 30-minute private chauffeur ride from the event grounds.
Summer Olympics
- Where? Paris, France
- When? July - August
The Olympic Games have long stood as the pinnacle of sporting excellence and have featured world-class equestrian events since 1900.
Taking place every four years in a different host city, the Games showcase the grace of dressage, the excitement of cross-country, and the precision of show jumping, with both individual and team medals up for grabs in each discipline.
Spectators will be treated to unparalleled displays of horsemanship and athleticism as the equestrian world’s top horse and rider pairs compete for sports’ most coveted prize – an Olympic gold medal.
The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in Paris, with the equestrian events set amidst the splendour of the Palace of Versailles. Luxurious Los Angeles will host the 2028 Games, followed by vibrant Brisbane in 2032.
Air Partner is providing private jet charter to the 2024 Paris Olympics this July-August.
Nearest airport to the event: Le Bourget (LBG) is located 32km from the Palace of Versailles. Private car transfers are very efficient, and helicopter transfers can also be arranged to access events further afield.
Exploring the World's Most Luxurious Equestrian Events: Private Jet & Group Charters from Air Partner
Whether you’re brushing shoulders with VIPS at Royal Ascot or watching megastars perform in the Dubai World Cup, discover how our private jet and group charter solutions can enhance the experience of attending the world’s most prestigious equestrian events.
Contact us today, and our team will secure the perfect aircraft & airport slot tailored to your requirements.
