Busy Christmas schedule rebranded ‘The Festive Four’ Britain’s four biggest meetings over the festive period have been rebranded as the “The Festive Four” with awards for the leading trainer and jockey and a special ticket offer for spectators. It was announced in July that there were to be tweaks to the busy Christmas schedule between racing on Boxing Day and December 29. With big races such as the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, the Coral Welsh Grand National and Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle all taking place in close proximity, Entain, who own Ladbrokes and Coral, were among several parties keen to spread the racing out. Staggering the Major Christmas Chases As a result the Welsh National is now on December 28 at Chepstow, a day later than it has traditionally been held, with the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase now the highlight of the second day at Kempton, rather than being on the undercard on Boxing Day. The Challow Hurdle will now be on December 29, the big race of the day at Newbury. A ticket to attend all four days will cost just £64 if bought before December 15 while members at the three venues will be able to enjoy free admission to all four days. Champion trainer Dan Skelton said: “It feels like we’ve needed to get our house in order with the festive racing programme in the UK and creating a festival like this is a really positive step. Fans and professionals alike can now plan their festive racing and I can’t wait. Hopefully, the fans will enjoy it as much as we will. “It’s a very sensible move for the whole industry, so thank you to the sponsors and everyone involved in making this happen.” Simon Clare of Entain said: “The Festive Four makes this special period even better. By spreading these great fixtures across four consecutive days, we’re giving fans more of what they love, with a major racing occasion to look forward to every day. “It’s a fantastic four-day package of top-class jump racing and a great opportunity to showcase our sport to a wider audience over Christmas.”
