The festive period in horse racing marks the halfway point in the Jump season, but there remains so much to look forward to on the calendar, particularly at racecourses in close proximity to London.
Here is a look at some of the highlights in the second half of the 2024/25 Jump season.
King George VI Chase Day (Kempton Park) – Thursday, 26th December
A large crowd will head to Kempton Park on Boxing Day this year for the King George VI Chase. This is the second most prestigious race in the 3m chase division, behind only the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Irish chaser Fact To File tops the racing odds at 6/4 to win this year’s renewal.
The roll of honour for the King George VI Chase includes Mill House, Arkle and Desert Orchid, some of the greatest National Hunt horses in history. Given his record over fences, Fact To File is likely to be one of the leading horse racing tips to join those names on the board at Kempton.
Last year’s winner Hewick is expected to line up as he bids to defend his crown. Only two horses in the last 10 years have defended their crown in the race, with Silviniaco Conti and Clan des Obeaux achieving that feat in 2014 and 2019 respectively.
Elsewhere on King George VI Chase Day, the best hurdlers in the sport will be in action in this year’s Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, including former Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill. Trainer Nicky Henderson is targeting the race for his stable star as he looks to make his first appearance on the track in 12 months.
Constitution Hill could return on Boxing Day! 💥
Any excuse to watch back his win in last year’s Christmas Hurdle 🎅#ITVRacing | @kemptonparkrace | @sevenbarrows | @NdeBoinville pic.twitter.com/vzoHuhrLIx
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 25, 2024
Constitution Hill is unbeaten in eight races over hurdles. He has won the last two renewals of the Christmas Hurdle in empathic style, including in 2023 when he prevailed by just over nine lengths.
Challengers to Constitution Hill in this year’s renewal of the Christmas Hurdle could include his stablemate Sir Gino. The four-year-old gelding won all three of his races in his novice hurdles campaign. His last appearance came in the 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree back in April.
Veterans’ Chase Day (Sandown) – Saturday, 4th January
The new year in horse racing begins with Veterans’ Chase Day at Sandown Park in Esher. This is one of the favourite race days of the year for lots of people, as they can see many of their old favourites over fences.
As the name suggests, the feature race is for veterans. There has been a series of qualifiers for horses to book their place in the field in early 2025. Certainly Red was the latest horse to secure his place when he won leg eight of the series at Sandown in late November. He will be part of a strong line-up in the opening Saturday of the New Year, with a big crowd expected to be there.
Festival Trials Day (Cheltenham) – Saturday, 25th January
Many horse racing fans will be making the trip out of London to Cheltenham for Festival Trials Day in late January. This is often the last chance for many horses to have a final run before the Cheltenham Festival in March.
🇬🇧 The Brits dominate in the Turners!
Grey Dawning gamely sees off old foe Ginny's Destiny to complete a Festival hat-trick for @DSkeltonRacing & @harryskelton89 pic.twitter.com/IQ8cl44Pwh
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2024
One of the leading races on Trials Day is the Cotswold Chase. This often features many of the leading runners for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This season’s renewal looks set to include both Ahoy Senor and Grey Dawning. They are two of the highest-rated British chasers in the sport, and their respective connections will be hoping for a big performance from their horse just two months before their shot at the Blue Riband event at the Festival.
Enjoy the racing during the second half of the season, whether you are heading to one of the above meetings or watching the action on television.
