What's on in December?

Features | 2^nd December 2024

Tis the season to be jolly and racing fans have plenty to be merry about in the coming weeks.

The run up to Christmas contains some of the best jumps meetings of the year and the action-packed festive period offers a feast of quality premier racing.

Here’s a look at the Premier Racing fixtures in December.

Sandown Park

Betfair Tingle Creek Day, Saturday 7 December

December kicks off with the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase – one of the top two-mile chases of the season – takes centre stage at Sandown. It has been won by some of the great chasers. Desert Orchid, Moscow Flyer, Kauto Star and Altior are all on the roll of honour. This year Jonbon is likely to return to defend his Tingle Creek Crown.

There are some excellent supporting races, including the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and it will all take place with a Christmas feel thanks to Carol singers and other festive cheer.

Aintree

Boylesports Becher Chase Day, Saturday 7 December

Grand National hopefuls will put their big-race credentials to the test over the world-famous Aintree fences in the Boylesports Becher Chase.

The iconic course hosts an excellent seven-race card and, you never know, you might just spot a future National winner soaring over The Chair, Becher’s Brook and The Canal Turn.

Plenty more top-class contests are guaranteed as the Jumps season at the Liverpool track hits top gear.

Kelso

Scottish Borders National Day, Sunday 8 December

Scottish Borders National Day promises high-class racing with a festive flavour.

One of the most prestigious premier races to be run in Scotland all year round, the Scottish Borders National was won by the aptly named Flower of Scotland in 2022, will another locally trained runner add their name to the roll of honour in 2024?

With more than £200,000 in prize money on offer, there’s sure to be some cracking racing and Kelso promises it will all go down with a touch of Santa sparkle.

Cheltenham

Christmas Meeting, Friday 13 December and Saturday 14 December

There’s a decent card to kick-off Cheltenham’s two-day Christmas Meeting. They go over the unique cross-country fences in race seven of the Crystal Cup series.

There’s also some high-quality races over the conventional obstacles, all in a fun festive atmosphere.

Plenty of Cheltenham Festival clues are guaranteed on the second day of Cheltenham’s Christmas Meeting. There are trials for the Triumph Hurdle and Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, alongside the competitive December Gold Cup.

There will be plenty of festive fun for younger visitors with a Santa’s Grotto the highlight of the track’s Christmas extravaganza.

Ascot

Howden Christmas Family Raceday, Saturday 21 December

The Howden Long Walk Hurdle tops the bill as Ascot stages the first premier Grade 1 contest of the Christmas holidays.

The top-class staying hurdle has been won by some of the most popular jumps horses in recent times, including three-time winners Big Buck’s and Paisley Park.

There will be an abundance of festive fun to entertain visitors between races.

Aintree

William Hill Boxing Day Racing, Thursday 26 December

There will be a family feel to Aintree’s Premier Boxing Day meeting with fun, festive cheer and high-quality racing all in abundance.

The Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle is the feature race. Nicky Henderson and James Bowen teamed up 12 months ago to win the inaugural running with Jango Baie.

Kempton Park

Ladbrokes Christmas Festival, Thursday 26 December and Friday 27 December

For racing fans, Boxing Day means King George VI Chase day at Kempton Park.

There will be no cold turkey on the opening day of the track’s Ladbrokes Christmas Festival with three Grade 1 races to thrill the bumper crowd.

The big race has been won by some of the greats of jump racing. Kauto Star became a Boxing Day legend thanks to his King George domination. Last year, popular Irish raider Hewick swooped late to win a hugely dramatic contest.

The second day of Kempton’s Christmas extravaganza is Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase day – remembering one of the most popular jumps horses of all time and packed full of quality racing.

There will be plenty of fun for the younger generation with face painting and a bubbleologist for them to enjoy, while live music from the Chip Shop Boys will make sure the after-party is well worth staying around for.

Chepstow

Coral Welsh Grand National Day, Friday 27 December

Coral Welsh Grand National day is one of the highlights of the premier racing and social calendars in Wales.

The excitement of the big race combined with the patriotic Welsh crowd and the lingering Christmas cheer makes for a very special day.

Native River won the Welsh National eight years ago before going on to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory and there’s a stellar list of supporting races.

Newbury

Coral Challow Hurdle Day, Saturday 28 December

The Coral Challow Hurdle Day promises top-class racing on the track and loads of free family-friendly fun off it.

It’s the perfect excuse to get together with those friends and family you’ve yet to catch up with over Christmas.

The Challow Hurdle has been dominated by Paul Nicholls in recent years. The 14-times Champion Trainer and stable jockey Harry Cobden will be attempting to win the Grade 1 prize for the fifth successive year.