For many, Christmas is a time of festive cheer, family gatherings, and indulgent feasts. But for National Hunt racing enthusiasts, it's a period of intense focus and strategic planning. While others are unwrapping gifts and savoring turkey dinners, these fans are diving deep into form books, searching for that elusive winner during the holiday racing extravaganza. With the shopping done and the festivities in full swing, the real excitement begins: deciphering the best bets from Boxing Day to New Year’s Day, a period traditionally packed with thrilling races across the Irish Sea.
And this is the part most people miss: amidst the flurry of races, it’s easy to overlook hidden gems outside the major meetings. To help you navigate this treasure trove of racing, we’ve tapped into the expertise of seven leading trainers—Paul Nicholls, Ben Pauling, Olly Murphy, Joe Tizzard, Johnson White, Dan Skelton, and Jamie Snowden. These seasoned professionals have shared their insights on the horses they believe are primed for success over the festive period.
But here's where it gets controversial: with so many races and so much at stake, can these trainers’ picks truly deliver? Or will the holiday season throw us a curveball? Let’s dive in and find out.
OLLY MURPHY
Aintree, December 26th
INDEEVAR BLUE (13:40 William Hill Daly Boosts Handicap Hurdle)
Murphy’s confidence in this horse is palpable. After a strong showing at Newbury, the step up to two and a half miles could be the game-changer. Despite past injury concerns, Indevaar Blue appears to be hitting his stride, and Murphy believes there’s still room for improvement. Is this the horse to kickstart your festive winnings?
KINGS CHAMPION (Race TBC)
This one’s a bit of a wildcard. Fresh off a promising debut at Market Rasen, Kings Champion is set to tackle a maiden hurdle during the Christmas period. While the exact race is yet to be confirmed, Murphy’s optimism is hard to ignore. Could this be the dark horse of the season?
PAUL NICHOLLS
Wincanton, December 26th
CLOTILDA (12:53 pricedup.bet EBF Mares’ Handicap Chase)
Nicholls believes Clotilda was robbed of a win at Exeter, and the extra furlong at Wincanton could be her ticket to redemption. Will she finally get her moment in the spotlight?
Wetherby, December 26th
KNAPPERS HILL (13:35 William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase)
After a year-long hiatus, Knappers Hill returned with a bang at Haydock Park. Nicholls thinks this left-handed, three-mile race is tailor-made for him. Is this the comeback story of the season?
BEN PAULING
Market Rasen, December 26th
FOUR SPRINGS (12:40 Pallinc Novices’ Hurdle)
A recent winner at Hereford, Four Springs is expected to thrive in this competitive novices’ hurdle. Pauling believes the galloping track at Market Rasen will suit him better. Can he handle the step up?
Kempton Park, December 26th
ONEWAYWEST (15:40 Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle)
With two wins from two starts this season, Onewaywest is on an upward trajectory. Pauling thinks the right-handed track will play to his strengths. Is this the horse to watch at Kempton?
DAN SKELTON
Aintree, December 26th
SNIPE (14:15 William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Chase)
A former winner of this race, Snipe is back in form and ready to reclaim his title. Skelton’s confidence is high, but can he deliver?
Cheltenham, January 1st
JUST GOLDEN (12:15 Maiden Hurdle)
After a sprint that didn’t suit him at Newcastle, Just Golden is back at a distance Skelton believes will showcase his true potential. Will Cheltenham be his redemption arc?
JAMIE SNOWDEN
Kempton Park, December 26th
EPIC WEST (12:45 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase)
With two novice hurdle wins under his belt, Epic West is now chasing. Snowden believes the step up to two and a half miles will suit him perfectly. Is this the start of a chasing dynasty?
Taunton, December 30th
LADY TADITA (14:20 Mares Novices’ Hurdle)
Unbeaten in three starts, Lady Tadita is the epitome of consistency. Snowden thinks the Taunton track will play to her quick style. Can she keep her perfect record intact?
JOE TIZZARD
Chepstow, December 27th
AMBION VIEW (14:10 Handicap Hurdle)
Consistent performances this season have Tizzard believing Ambion View is ready for a step up in trip. Will this be the move that propels him to victory?
Taunton, December 30th
WEST ORCHARD (15:23 Handicap Chase)
After a strong comeback at Wincanton, West Orchard looks set to improve further. Tizzard thinks he’s still got plenty to offer. Is this the veteran’s time to shine?
JOHNSON WHITE
Kempton Park, December 26th
THOMAS MOR (13:20 Novices’ Chase)
White believes Thomas Mor is overpriced and could be an each-way contender at Kempton. Is this the value bet of the season?
Wincanton, December 26th
TINY TETLEY (15:13 Handicap Hurdle)
Back over hurdles after a stint chasing, Tiny Tetley is in great form. White thinks he’s got a real chance. Can he defy the odds?
Thought-provoking question: With so many trainers backing their horses, which one will emerge as the festive champion? And do you agree with their picks, or do you have a hidden gem in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark some friendly debate!
