King George VI Chase

Perhaps the biggest race of the festive period, this mid-season contest at Kempton Park attracts some of the best trainers, jockeys and horses in the sport. Inaugurated way back in 1937 and named after the then king, the three-mile race has been won by some huge names — including five-time champion Kauto Star, three-time winner Desert Orchid and dual victor Clan Des Obeaux. The latter was denied his hattrick by his stablemate Frodon last year, but the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned horse is expected to head back to Kempton and land that elusive third victory on Boxing Day — according to racing betting Betdaq, anyway.

Welsh Grand National

First raced in 1895, the Welsh Grand National will take place at Chepstow on December 27th. Since being moved from February to December in the late 1970s, the quality on show in the three-mile, six-furlong contest has certainly increased and it is now a great opportunity for punters to get a look at some horses ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree. Last year’s winner, Secret Reprieve is the favourite again for this year’s renewal. But the Evan Williams-trained horse is yet to get his season underway and it’s not yet clear whether or not he will run at Chepstow as he’s been out of action for almost 12 months.

Matheson Chase

Held between 26th-29th December, the Leopardstown Christmas Festival is a huge hit with the passionate Irish following and the Matheson Hurdle on the final day of the meeting is sure to attract a bit of interest. Henry De Bromhead’s top hurdler Honeysuckle looks set to be the star of the show as she looks to continue her impressive unbeaten career with a 14th straight victory. But on what will be a rare occasion, and one that the bookies might live to regret, the seven-year-old will go off as the second favourite behind Willie Mullins’ Sharjah.

Savills Chase

Sticking with the Dublin-based meeting, the Leopardstown Christmas Festival’s showpiece race, the Savills Chase, has arguably the most star-studded card of any race over the festive period. Defending champion A Plus Tard is tipped to defend his crown while he carries on his preparations for the Gold Cup, which the De Bromhead horse is tipped to win. But he will face stiff competition from two-time Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo and stablemates Minella Indo and Envoi Allen.