There are six Saturdays till Christmas and racing fans will be facing a battle to stay in front of the box as the national hunt season really heats up. The call of Christmas shopping will be hard for some to resist, but it is worth it. Here’s our look at the best of Saturday racing in the lead up to the festive period.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Ireland has decided to get in on the Saturday action with the scheduling of the Morgiana Hurdle – with Klassical Dream (pictured) set to be the star attraction – for this Saturday rather than the more traditional Sunday date. With Cheltenham and the BetVictor Gold Cup headlining a solid card, it will be a fine day’s racing.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
The Betfair Chase has not always been a great trial for the Gold Cup in recent years but as a race alone it is always worth a watch and as well as that event at Haydock, there is a good card at Ascot to boot.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
The Ladbrokes Trophy day at Newbury steals the headlines but one eye will be on the Fighting Fifth Hurdle from Newcastle, which will see some Champion Hurdle hopefuls line up.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
The Grand Nationals fences get an outing with the Becher Chase and the Many Clouds Chase will be well contested, while the Tingle Creek always brings back happy memories of Desert Orchid and a future star may be in action in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Those who have resisted the festive shopping rush will be rewarded with the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup and Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham plus a decent supporting card at Doncaster.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
A nice way to sign off before Christmas as Haydock hosts the competitive Tommy Whittle Chase and the Long Walk Hurdle is run off at Ascot. Merry Christmas.
