Christmas Racing Takes a New Turn: A Proposal for a Festive Feasting of Horse Racing
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than through the exhilarating sport of horse racing? With the holiday season fast approaching, one prominent figure in British racing has a grand plan to serve up a proper festive feast for racegoers, stable staff, and the sport as a whole. Ed Chamberlin, a Sky Bet Ambassador known for his passion for the sport, has proposed an ambitious schedule that would rival Leopardstown’s four-day festival. Chamberlin’s vision involves restructuring the racing calendar from December 26 to December 29, creating an exciting and coordinated series of events that would captivate audiences and give the sport the spotlight it deserves.
Chamberlin’s plan begins on Boxing Day at Kempton, home of the historic King George VI Chase. This iconic race has been a staple of Christmas racing, evoking memories of legendary horses like Kauto Star and Desert Orchid soaring through the air in a thrilling display of athleticism. To amplify the spectacle, Chamberlin suggests extending Kempton’s two-day races to include a seven-race card on Boxing Day. By reallocating one race from December 27, a full day of excitement with seven awe-inspiring races could be brought to the fans, effectively rejuvenating the sport during this festive period.
The festive feast continues on December 27 at Ascot, with the Long Walk Hurdle card eagerly awaited by racing enthusiasts. Chamberlin’s proposal involves amalgamating the feature events from Ascot’s previous day card with the Long Walk Hurdle card, creating a magnificent day of racing. The proximity of Ascot and Kempton, just 15 miles apart, allows for the promotion of a two-day package ticket, enticing spectators to savor the best of both racecourses.
In Chamberlin’s plan, the action then moves to Aintree on December 28, where the North will revel in a thrilling day of racing. To bolster the excitement, two races from Kempton, the Desert Orchid Chase and the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase, both Grade Two events, would be moved to support the Grade One Formby Novices’ Hurdle. This strategic move would ensure that Aintree’s new racing card receives the attention and attendance it truly deserves.
Finally, the festive racing extravaganza concludes at Newbury on December 29 with the prestigious Challow Hurdle day. This Grade One race, steeped in heritage and tradition, epitomizes the exhilarating journey of novice hurdlers and would provide a befitting finale to a truly remarkable sequence of events. Chamberlin believes that this well-coordinated and captivating schedule would not only draw a tremendous live audience but also captivate viewers at home, as ITV would have the opportunity to showcase the thrilling races from Leopardstown, coinciding with the British festivities.
However, for Chamberlin, the grand plan doesn’t end there. Recognizing the relentless and demanding nature of the racing industry, he proposes a much-needed break for all involved. By ceasing racing activities on December 20, stable staff and jockeys would have the opportunity to rest and recuperate, ensuring their well-being and allowing them to enjoy the festive season with their loved ones. The suggestion aligns with the sentiments expressed by Tony Bloom, Brighton’s chairman, who believes that a hiatus in racing, akin to the football season, would rejuvenate enthusiasm and invigorate the sport.
While Chamberlin’s vision is ambitious and undoubtedly faces numerous logistical challenges, it embodies an ardent desire to enhance and elevate the sport of racing during the festive period. It is a dream that acknowledges the need for change and recognizes the potential for a more coordinated and dynamic racing schedule. With the hope that someday this dream may become a reality, Chamberlin encourages racing enthusiasts to embrace the festive feast of horse racing and revel in the exhilarating spectacle it brings.
