Festive Racing Tips: Five British Horses to Follow This Christmas

All eyes on Kempton Park for the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day but there’s so much more to the Christmas racing calendar than that, with several festive meetings across the country.

There’s Grade 1 action at Aintree with the Formby Novices' Hurdle while Chepstow hosts their traditional Welsh Grand National fixture on 27th December. Just a few days later, we have the Challow Novices Hurdle at Newbury before New Year’s Day at Cheltenham.

Here, I’ve had a look at five British horses to follow – both in the coming days and for the rest of the jumps season – and hopefully I can lead you to a winner or two. We start with a potential superstar for the Dan Skelton yard…

13:55 Kempton, 26th - Christmas Hurdle

From an unproven type to a type with a point to prove, SIR GINO has been off the track for 364 days but he is undoubtedly the class act in the field. If he retains his ability, then he will almost certainly justify his short price at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

There must be an element of doubt though, especially when you consider that trainer Nicky Henderson revealed Sir Gino nearly died as a result of his issues. Having said that, he is six from six under rules, having won two Grade 1 races over hurdles.

He was brilliant on chase debut when beating Ballyburn here last year but he reverts to hurdles and he could be a warm order for the Champion Hurdle in March. He is a short price to prevail and I hope he can produce the goods on his return to the track.

14:50 Chepstow, 27th - Welsh Grand National

I’ve been sweet on the chances of GIT MAKER in this race for a while now and I remain hopeful of a huge run despite a dry forecast. His best form is on soft ground but he is an extremely well handicapped horse and conditions at Chepstow might not matter.

Jamie Snowden admitted that he struggled to keep him right last season but reports out of Folly House suggest that Git Maker is thriving this winter. With Gavin Sheehan likely to ride, he can go very close for one of the shrewdest trainers in the game.

Any additional rain would be appreciated but there should be enough juice in the ground after a very wet December. Git Maker has been touted for a big staying handicap for the best part of two years now and 27th December could be his day.