Boxing Day Racing

Boxing Day is one of the biggest days on the UK & Irish horse racing calendar for 2026, with 11 exciting race meetings. Our team has put together everything you need to know, including the best Boxing Day tips.

Check out the latest Boxing Day betting offers and sign-up deals from trusted online bookmakers. We’ve also analysed the primary races and created our top racing tips for this thrilling day. Find all this information in our guide to the best horse racing tips for Boxing Day 2025.

The highlight of Boxing Day is the 2026 Kempton Winter Festival, featuring six fantastic races of national hunt jump racing at Kempton Park Racecourse.

With ten horse racing meetings on the same day, you can watch the action on channels like Racing TV, ITV Racing, and Sky Sports Racing – the races come thick and fast!

In our Boxing Day guide, get the latest betting tips, free bet info, and odds for the horse racing events on December 26, 2025.

Kempton Park Boxing Day Racing

The first day of the Kempton Park Winter Festival, one of the most popular National Hunt racing festivals of the year, is on Boxing Day and called the King George VI Chase Day, named after the big race which many greats have won over the years, including Kauto Star and the famous grey Desert Orchid.

There are many horse racing events on 26th December 2026, but Kempton Park is always the most popular

The iconic Kempton races on Boxing Day include:

• 12:45 Get Your Ladbrokes Free Kempton Bet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 3 (4yo+ 0-130) 2m4½f
• 1:20 Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (In Memory Of Nigel Clark) Grade 1 (GBB Race) Class 1 (4yo+) 3m
• 1:55 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle Grade 1 (GBB Race) Class 1 (4yo+) 2m
• 2:30 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase Grade 1 (GBB Race) Class 1 (4yo+) 3m
• 3:05 Join Ladbrokes Bet £5 Get £30 Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 2 (4yo+) 2m
• 3:40 Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed In Racing Handicap Hurdle Class 3 (3yo+ 0-140) 2m5f

The King George VI Chase is the main event of the Boxing Day racing calendar.

Aintree Boxing Day Racing

Aintree Racecourse will host some brilliant races on Boxing Day 2026.

The first race is scheduled to take place at midday, and the final race is scheduled to take place at 3:25 p.m.

Listed below is the schedule for Boxing Day at Aintree Racecourse:

• 12:00 William Hill Daily Bet Boosts Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Mares’ Hurdle Qualifier) Class 4 (3yo+ 0-120) 2m4f
• 12:30 William Hill Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 2 (4yo+ 0-150) 2m4f
• 1:05 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle Grade 1 (GBB Race) Class 1 (3yo+) 2m1f
• 1:40 William Hill Daily Bet Boosts Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 2 (4yo+) 2m4f
• 2:15 William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Chase (Challenger Staying Chase Series Qualifier) (GBB Race) Class 3 (4yo+ 0-130) 3m1f
• 2:50 William Hill Extra Places With B.O.G Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 3 (4yo+) 2m
• 3:25 William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB) Class 2 (4-5yo) 2m1f

Wetherby Boxing Day Racing

Wetherby is a stunning racecourse, and again, December 26 is their biggest racing day of the year, with the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase serving as the feature event. A top-class and competitive chase is hugely popular with locals.

The first race is scheduled for 11:52 am, and the last race is at 3:20 pm. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. for those who want to arrive early and soak up the atmosphere.

Wetherby racecourse is one of only two racecourses in the North of England to race on Boxing Day 2026.

This meeting is scheduled on a hectic day, so it is advisable to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion. Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be available to keep the early birds warm.

The fixtures list for Wetherby Racecourse is below:

• 11:52 Watch William Hill Inside Track Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+) 2m3½f
• 12:27 William Hill Racing Bet Builder Novices’ Handicap Chase (Go North Forgive ‘N Forget Qualifier) Class 5 (4yo+ 0-100) 2m3½f
• 1:00 William Hill Each Way Extra Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 4 (3yo+ 0-110) 2m3½f
• 1:35 William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) Class 1 (4yo+) 3m
• 2:10 William Hill Epic Boosts Daily Handicap Hurdle Class 3 (4yo+ 0-130) 2m5½f
• 2:45 William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 3 (4yo+ 0-125) 2m3½f
• 3:20 William Hill Daily Bet Boosts Handicap Hurdle Class 5 (3yo+ 0-100) 2m

Follow the links above for race info and tips.

Wolverhampton Boxing Day Racing

Wolverhampton enjoys racing all year round on its all-weather racing track, so it’s no surprise to see it have a Boxing Day fixture.

Why not spend this wonderful bank holiday with Wolverhampton Racecourse? Thanks to their floodlit, all-weather track and several cosy hospitality choices, you can enjoy the racing whatever the weather.

The fixture list for Wolverhampton is below:

• 1:50 Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap Class 3 (3yo+ 0-95) 7f
• 2:25 Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At BetMGM.co.uk Nursery Handicap Class 4 (2yo 0-85) 7f
• 3:00 Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race) Class 5 (2yo) 5f
• 3:35 Midnite Are Upping The Betting Game Handicap Class 5 (3yo+ 0-70) 5f
• 5:35 Make The Move To Midnite Handicap Class 6 (3yo+ 0-55) 1m1½

Follow the links above for our race overview and tips.

Fontwell Park Boxing Day Racing

Boxing Day Racing at Fontwell racecourse offers a fantastic atmosphere, lots of family entertainment, and seven thrilling horse races as part of its Boxing Day racing programme.

The Fontwell Park Boxing Day fixtures are listed below:

• 11:57 winningpost.co.uk Play Prize Champion Tipster Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Class 5 (3yo+ 0-100) 2m3f
• 12:32 tigerbet.co.uk Too Much Turkey Handicap Chase (Fontwell Chase Series Qualifier) Class 5 (4yo+ 0-100) 2m2f
• 1:07 tigerbet.co.uk Best Odds Guaranteed Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+) 2m1½f
• 1:42 tigerbet.co.uk Extra Places Paid Handicap Hurdle Class 4 (3yo+ 0-120) 3m2f
• 2:17 tigerbet.co.uk Free Bet Club Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Class 5 (4yo+ 0-105) 2m1½f
• 2:52 tigerbet.co.uk Daily Price Boosts Handicap Chase Class 5 (4yo+ 0-100) 3m2f
• 3:27 tigerbet.co.uk Happy New Year Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race) Class 5 (4-5yo) 2m1½

Follow the links above for our race info and tips.

Market Rasen Boxing Day Racing

Families from all across Lincolnshire and beyond have made going to Market Rasen racecourse on Boxing Day after Christmas a tradition to get out of the house and spend an exciting holiday day together.

Enjoy seven thrilling jump races, including the famous three-and-a-half-mile Lincolnshire National. Serving as the equivalent of Aintree’s legendary Grand National in Market Rasen.

The Market Rasen fixtures for its Boxing Day racing programme 2026 are below:

• 12:40 Pallinc Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+) 2m½f
• 1:15 Rand Farm Park Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+ 0-120) 2m1f
• 1:47 Rand Farm Park Family Days Out Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Class 5 (3yo+ 0-100) 2m4½f
• 2:22 Rand Farm Park All Weather Attraction Handicap Chase Class 5 (4yo+ 0-100) 3m
• 2:57 Pallinc Lincolnshire National Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 3 (4yo+ 0-130) 3m3½f
• 3:32 Rand Farm Park Christmas Neightivity Handicap Hurdle Class 4 (3yo+ 0-115) 2m2½f

Follow the links above for our race info and tips.

Wincanton Boxing Day Racing

On Boxing Day, there is no better place to be than Wincanton racecourse in Somerset. The most favoured and popular event at Wincanton Racecourse, without a doubt!

Visit Wincanton racecourse on Monday, December 26, for a festive day at the races and to continue the holiday celebrations with your family and friends!

The Boxing Day Wincanton fixtures are listed below:

• 12:53 PricedUp.bet EBF Mares’ Handicap Chase (Challenger Mares’ Chase Series Qualifier) (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+ 0-120) 2m4f35y
• 1:28 PricedUp The Jumps Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+) 1m7f50y
• 2:03 Happy Birthday Racing Blogger Handicap Chase (Run For The Lord Stalbridge Cup) (GBB Race) Class 3 (4yo+) 3m1f30y
• 2:38 PricedUp Daily Racing Boosts Handicap Chase (For The Harry And John Dufosee Memorial Cup) (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+) 2m4f35y
• 3:13 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Race (GBB Race) Class 2 (4yo+) 3m
• 3:45 Download The PricedUp App Handicap Hurdle Race (GBB Race) Class 4 (3yo+) 1m7f50y

Follow the links above for our race info and tips.

Sedgefield Racing Boxing Day

Many families and friends visit Sedgefield Racecourse on Boxing Day to carry on the Christmas cheer and for a dose of all-weather racing.

What better way to spend your Boxing Day than at Sedgefield racecourse, getting some fresh air and enjoying some flat racing?

• 11:45 Fairlight Studios Merry Christmas To All Handicap Chase (Go North Monet’s Garden Qualifier) (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+ 0-115) 2m3½f
• 12:20 Virtus FM Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) Class 4 (4yo+) 2m4f
• 12:50 Castle Construction North East Ltd EBF National Hunt Maiden Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race) Class 4 (4-6yo) 2m1f
• 1:25 Ready To Welcome The New Year Handicap Chase (Go North One Man Series Qualifier) Class 5 (4yo+ 0-100) 2m½f
• 2:00 Michael & Olivia Watson Handicap Hurdle (Go North Cab On Target Series Qualifier) Class 4 (3yo+ 0-120) 2m4f
• 2:35 Gary Wood Memorial Handicap Hurdle Class 5 (3yo+ 0-100) 2m4f
• 3:10 Weekend Winners On Sky Sports Racing Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race) Class 5 (4-5yo) 2m1f

Leopardstown Racing Boxing Day

Leopardstown is a popular racecourse, especially on Boxing Day, with punters enjoying top-quality racing and fresh air!

Boxing Day is a big day for horse racing and is known to carry on the Christmas cheer, so make sure you take a visit to Leopardstown racecourse as part of your festive plans!

Below are the fixtures for Leopardstown Boxing Day:

• 12:05 TRI Equestrian Maiden Hurdle (4yo) 2m
• 12:35 Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle (5yo+) 2m
• 1:10 O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) (3yo) 2m
• 1:45 Christmas Cheer Novice Handicap Hurdle (4yo+) 2m
• 2:20 Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1) (4yo+) 2m1f
• 2:55 Racing Post Handicap Chase (4yo+) 2m1f
• 3:30 Race And Stay INH Flat Race (4yo) 2m

Follow the links above for our race overview and tips. Leopardstown offers convenient tote betting facilities on-site.

Limerick Racing Boxing Day

A small track that packs a big punch and is lots of fun. Limerick on Boxing Day is a great day out.

Below are the fixtures for Limerick Boxing Day:

• 12:25 Aqua Process Solutions @ Limerick 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle (3yo) 2m
• 12:58 Signsplus Maiden Hurdle (4yo) 2m
• 1:33 Defender Novice Hurdle Grade 2 (4yo+) 2m7f
• 2:08 Mr Binman Mares Handicap Hurdle (4yo+) 2m4f
• 2:40 O’Kelly Brothers Demolition Rated Novice Chase (4yo+) 2m1½f
• 3:15 BRC McMahon Reinforcements Handicap Chase (4yo+) 2m1½f
• 3:50 Play perysbingo.com Mares INH Flat Race (4yo+) 2m

Down Royal Racing Boxing Day

Another great Irish Boxing Day feature, with some competitive races to enjoy. A trip to Down Royal is always worth it.

Below are the fixtures for Down Royal Boxing Day:

• 11:40 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle (4yo+) 2m4f15y
• 12:15 Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle (4yo+) 2m1f53y
• 12:48 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (3yo+ 0-100) 2m1f53y
• 1:23 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase (4yo+) 2m4f130y
• 1:58 BAR 1 Betting Handicap Steeplechase (0-100) (4yo+) 2m4f130y
• 2:33 BAR 1 Betting Hunters Steeplechase (5yo+) 3m

What are the Feature Races on Boxing Day?

Boxing Day, celebrated with an array of exciting races, boasts featured events across prominent racecourses in both the UK and Ireland. In 2025, racing enthusiasts can look forward to iconic contests that showcase the best of jump racing.

Feature Races in the UK:

1. King George VI Chase at Kempton Park: Undoubtedly the crown jewel of Boxing Day racing, the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park is a Grade 1 steeplechase attracting top-tier horses. This historic race, often shaping the national hunt season, unfolds over three miles, testing the mettle of both horse and jockey.
2. Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park: Another standout at Kempton, the Christmas Hurdle, offers a thrilling clash of speed and agility. Run over two miles, this Grade 1 hurdle race gathers some of the finest hurdlers, setting the stage for an exhilarating display of hurdling prowess.

Feature Races in Ireland:

1. Savills Chase at Leopardstown: Across the Irish Sea, Leopardstown Racecourse hosts the prestigious Savills Chase. This Grade 1 steeplechase spans three miles and showcases the prowess of top-class stayers. The race attracts a stellar field, often including some of the best chasers from Ireland and the UK.
2. Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown: Adding to the excitement, the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase is another highlight at Leopardstown. A Grade 1 chase, it provides a captivating spectacle over two and a half miles, featuring nimble chasers vying for victory.

These featured races, both in the UK and Ireland, epitomise the essence of Boxing Day racing, offering fans an electrifying blend of tradition, skill, and sheer excitement.

What are the Latest Betting Offers and Promotions for Boxing Day Racing?

As Boxing Day approaches, leading bookmakers are gearing up to offer enticing promotions and special deals for avid racing enthusiasts. Here are some details from specific bookmakers to give you a glimpse of what to expect:

1. Ladbrokes:
   • Ladbrokes, a renowned name in sports betting, is known for its festive promotions. Keep an eye out for enhanced odds, money-back specials, and exclusive free bet offers on selected Boxing Day races. Ladbrokes often tailors promotions to feature races like the King George VI Chase, providing extra value for punters.
2. Bet365:
   • Bet365, a powerhouse in online betting, is likely to roll out comprehensive coverage of Boxing Day races. Look for promotions such as “Best Odds Guaranteed” and exclusive in-play offers. Bet365 frequently enhances its horse racing promotions during significant events, offering competitive odds and special deals.
3. William Hill:
   • William Hill traditionally embraces the festive spirit with tailored promotions for Boxing Day racing. Expect to find enhanced odds on featured races, money-back guarantees, and possibly special acca boosts. William Hill frequently offers a range of promotions to cater to various bet types, thereby enhancing the overall betting experience.
4. Betfair:
   • Betfair, known for its innovative approach to betting, may introduce special exchange promotions for Boxing Day racing. Keep an eye on their “Each Way Edge” and potential cashback offers. Betfair excels at tailoring promotions to significant events, enabling punters to explore unique betting opportunities.
5. Paddy Power:
   • Paddy Power, with its reputation for creative promotions, is likely to spice up Boxing Day betting. Look for “Power Prices” on select races, enhanced odds, and potentially some amusing festive-themed specials. Paddy Power is known for offering a mix of value and entertainment in its promotions.

Remember, the specific promotions can vary, and it’s advisable to check the official websites of these bookmakers closer to Boxing Day for the latest and most accurate information. Taking advantage of these promotions can add an extra layer of excitement to your Boxing Day racing experience.

Boxing Day Racing Free Bets

Xmas is a great time for free bets and betting offers from some of the best horse racing betting brands online.

Check out our guide to the biggest horse racing free bets on offer in July 2026 for Boxing Day, as some of these can also be used on other popular sporting events, such as football, rugby, and tennis.

[cta style=green link=”/boxing-day-free-bets/”]Boxing Day Free Bets[/cta]

Many bookmakers are offering some great betting offers this Christmas, like:

• Bet 10, get 20 in free bets on horse racing
• Bet 10, get 30 in free bets on horse racing
• Bet 10 get 40 in free bets on horse racing
• Bet 10, get 50 in free bets on horse racing

There are numerous special offers available for first-time customers across various sites, catering to a range of racing events.

If you are an existing punter and looking for great promotions for existing customers, here are some of the top-rated betting sites offering amazing daily promotions:

• Bookmakers with BOG promotion
• Bookmakers with a cash-out feature
• Bookmakers with an in-play betting option

Most racecourses will also have Tote betting facilities on-site and other betting outlets, allowing you to bet in person, as well as enjoy great hospitality packages.

Boxing Day Tips

After an expensive Christmas, punters are looking to find those Boxing Day NAPs on the horse racing or, at the very least, get more winners than friends and family!

With one of the most thrilling days of the racing calendar, the horse racing tipsters have plenty of choice with 11 horse racing fixtures across the UK and Ireland.

Check out our full guide to betting tips for Boxing Day racing, where we list our best bets and other recommended bets. As usual, Paul Nicholls is expected to have a typically strong day at Kempton.

How can I watch Boxing Day racing live?

Boxing Day racing enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the action through live broadcasts on esteemed channels like Racing TV, ITV Racing, and Sky Sports Racing. Additionally, many leading bookmakers offer live streaming services for registered account holders, providing a seamless way to witness the excitement unfold on the tracks. To ensure you don’t miss a moment, check with your preferred platform or bookmaker for specific details on accessing the live coverage tailored for Boxing Day racing.

Summary of Boxing Day Racing

Boxing Day racing is a tradition enjoyed by many every year. A perfect day to unwind and watch some quality action live on TV, or get some fresh air if you are watching in person. As you can see, there are lots of racing events to enjoy.

Boxing Day racing is genuinely some of the best in the world, ranking only second to the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree Festival.

We have highlighted some special offers for those looking for a new bookie this Christmas. Please read our full reviews or check them out for yourself.

Have a fantastic afternoon of Boxing Day racing, we hope you find a winner or two.

Please gamble responsibly.