Racegoers will descend on Ayr for three days of action on and off the track, culminating in the prestigious Ayr Gold Cup.
Here’s everything you need to know before heading along.
What is the Ayr Gold Cup Festival?
The Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup Festival is Scotland’s biggest Flat racing festival and takes place across three days at Ayr Racecourse.
The festival attracts leading horses, jockeys and trainers, with a packed programme of racing alongside live music and entertainment.
The meeting culminates with the Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup, regarded as one of the finest sprint handicaps in Europe.
When is the Ayr Gold Cup Festival?
The festival takes place from Thursday, September 17 until Saturday, September 19.
Opening Day begins on Thursday, when gates open at noon ahead of the first race at 2pm, with the final race scheduled for 5.01pm.
Ladies Day follows on Friday, with gates opening at 11.20am ahead of the first race at 1.20pm and the last at 4.45pm.
Gold Cup Day takes place on Saturday, when gates open at 11am. The first race is at 1.20pm and the final race is scheduled for 4.50pm.
What’s happening each day?
Thursday’s Opening Day features seven races, with the £35,000 Ladbrokes Kilkerran Handicap Stakes among the highlights.
Friday is Ladies Day and combines racing with the event’s Style Awards. The seven-race card includes the British EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes, Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies’ Stakes and £40,000 Ladbrokes Ayr Bronze Cup.
The biggest day of racing comes on Saturday, when the £180,000 Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup gets underway at 3.40pm.
Saturday’s seven-race card also includes the Ayr Silver Cup, Firth of Clyde Stakes and Doonside Cup.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased through the Ayr Racecourse website at https://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk/event/ayr-gold-cup/tickets-and-packages/ or by calling the racecourse on 01292 264179.
Tickets may also be available at the gate when it opens on each race day, subject to availability.
Thursday Grandstand admission is currently priced at £24 for an adult, while Club admission costs £30.
Friday Grandstand tickets cost £30, with Club admission priced at £40, while Saturday tickets currently cost £37 for the Grandstand and £62 for Club admission.
A range of other packages and three-day tickets are also available.
Under-18s can attend free with a paying adult on Thursday and Friday, subject to the racecourse’s conditions, but under-18s are not permitted on Gold Cup Saturday.
How do I get there?
Ayr Railway Station is within walking distance of the racecourse and provides rail connections with Glasgow and other parts of Scotland.
Stagecoach also operates bus services to Ayr, giving racegoers another public transport option for reaching the town.
Dedicated return coaches were offered for Gold Cup Saturday from locations including Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Irvine, Saltcoats, Ardrossan, Paisley, Hamilton, East Kilbride, Cumbernauld, Falkirk and Stirling, although these are currently listed as sold out.
Those travelling by car can reach Ayr via the M77 from Glasgow.
Is there parking?
Free parking is available at Ayr Racecourse, with the venue stating that there is ample parking for racegoers travelling by car.
Visitors driving to the festival may still want to allow additional time for their journey due to the number of people expected to attend, particularly on Gold Cup Saturday.
What entertainment will there be?
Entertainment will run alongside the racing throughout the three-day festival and continue after the final races.
Sneaky Treacle will perform after racing on Thursday, while Ladies Day will feature Voyage ABBA Tribute, Colin McArdle, Bandioke, The Rhythm Kings and other performers.
Saturday’s entertainment includes George Bowie’s GBX Anthems after racing, as well as Colin McArdle, Waterfront, The Real Easy and The Rhythm Kings.
Grado will also return as a roving reporter throughout Gold Cup Day, chatting to racegoers around the course.
Entertainment times and locations may be subject to change.
What is Ladies Day?
Friday is the festival’s Ladies Day, combining seven races with fashion and entertainment.
The Style Awards will be one of the day’s main attractions away from the track, with racegoers encouraged to dress to impress.
Live entertainment will also take place throughout the day, with Voyage ABBA Tribute among the acts appearing.
Is there a dress code?
Dress requirements depend on which area of Ayr Racecourse visitors are attending.
The Club Enclosure operates a smart-casual dress code, with ripped or torn denim and trainers not permitted.
There is no formal dress code in the Grandstand, although football colours are not permitted anywhere on the racecourse.
Hospitality areas also operate a smart-casual dress code, with ripped or torn denim and trainers not permitted.
Racegoers traditionally make an extra effort with their outfits for Ladies Day and Gold Cup Day.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted at Ayr Racecourse, with the exception of assistance dogs.