The British Horseracing Authority has announced a series of changes to the Christmas fixture list, moving the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton back by 24 hours each. The adjustments aim to create four consecutive days of ITV Racing broadcasts over the festive period.
Key Fixture Changes
The Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton retains its traditional dates on December 26 and 27, with the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase remaining the Boxing Day highlight. However, the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase has been moved from the King George programme to December 27. The Coral Welsh Grand National, historically held alongside day two of the Kempton fixture, will now take place on December 28. Additionally, the Coral Challow Hurdle card at Newbury has been given a permanent date of December 29, and Hereford's December 8 fixture has been shifted to December 27.
Maximising TV Exposure
These alterations are designed to provide four straight days of high-class racing on free-to-air television, boosting the profile of Premier jump fixtures during the Christmas season. Richard Wayman, BHA director of racing, said: "The Christmas period is always an important one for our sport, with increased exposure generated by some of the highest profile races in the calendar. As we seek not only to retain but grow the sport's fanbase, we are pleased to approve this cross-industry initiative that will see four consecutive days of high-class racing on free-to-air television."
Industry Support
Richard Willoughby, ITV Racing Programme Editor, commented: "A British Christmas racing festival has long been on our agenda, and we're delighted to work with the BHA, the racecourses and their respective sponsorship partners to support this new initiative which will undoubtedly enhance the racing calendar over the festive period." Simon Durrant, general manager at Kempton, added: "The Christmas period is synonymous with competitive and compelling sport and British racing has a number of well established and popular meetings for racegoers and fans watching on TV to enjoy. Last year the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase grabbed the sports headlines with its four-way photo finish and the changes outlined today help the sport build on such thrilling drama. By working together with the racing industry on this we hope to boost the prominence of each of the major events taking place over this period and create an exciting focal point for each day."
