From mince pies to snowy skies, the festive season brings a lot to look forward to – including the thrilling spectacle of Boxing Day horse racing. We’ve got all the info you need so you can enjoy the best Christmas races stress-free.
Best Boxing Day Horse Racing Bookmakers
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Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
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Bet £10 & Get £50
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18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Bet £10 get £40
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18+ New UK & ROI Customers only. Min deposit & bet £/€10 at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 4x £/€10 Free Bets. Certain deposit methods and bet types excl. Free Bet valid 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions +Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets
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18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Bet £10 Get £20 + Money Back as a Free Bet if 2nd to SP Fav
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Bet £10 Get £20 + Money Back as a Free Bet if 2nd to SP Fav
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18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
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£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
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18+ New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football or Horse Racing multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Bet £50 Get £50
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18+ This promotion is available to new customers only, who register using the promo code “GET50”. To qualify for free bets, the new user must place and settle £50 on Matchbook markets only. The user must bet on at least 4 different events to qualify. The user must place and settle bets at odds of 2.0 or more. Bets can be placed on singles, multiples and Bet Builders. The user must place and settle bets before the closing date of the promotion to qualify. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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Boxing Day Races: Where Are These Meetings?
You’ve eight cracking races to enjoy on boxing day, and keeping track of them is a doddle. Below, you’re find all the essential info you need to stay in the loop.
Why is Boxing Day So Popular?
Horse racing’s a proper crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with excitement, fast-paced and perhaps the ideal sport for online betting – loads of markets, plenty of depth for seasoned punters, yet simple enough for beginners.
And the Boxing Day races are even more popular than most, bar giants like Cheltenham and The Grand National. That’s no surprise, considering they showcase a day most folks are off work.
Plus, it’s a tradition that harks back to the “Yorkshire Christmas Meeting”, at Wetherby, in 1940. Since then, communities have come together in droves to enjoy the Boxing Day races, whether at home or in-person. Nearly a million people watched the King George VI Chase last year, with plenty of people who don’t normally bet making an exception for the day.
Boxing Day Racing Betting
The variety of horse racing on Boxing Day make it one of the year’s finest days for betting online. Expect cracking odds, standout promos and enough markets to suit any strategy.
We’ve broken down all eight major Boxing Day horse races, so you’re ready with a noggin full of knowledge to make your move.
King George VI Chase Day at Kempton Park – Superb Promotional Opportunities
There are 12 races at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, but there’s no doubt about the main event. It’s the second most prestigious chase in England (just behind the Cheltenham Gold Cup), providing over 3 miles and 18 fences worth of action. There aren’t many more historic races – the first King George VI Chase dates all the way back to 1937 – or better showcases of talent.
The buzz behind the race means you’ll not only get top odds from the best UK bookmakers, but also a proper spread of promotional treats. The availability of bet boosts and best odds guaranteed looks as likely as the winner being on four legs.
This is especially true when you consider that the whole race day is sponsored by Ladbrokes. Expect some extra perks when choosing their sportsbook to bet on these Boxing Day horse racing fixtures.
First Race: 12:45am
Last Race: 15:40pm
Race Types: Steeplechase
Number of Races: 12
Course Length: 3m
Yorkshire Christmas Meeting at Wetherby – Reet Good for Betting on Multiple Races
Not just a race, but a full day of festivities. The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting at Wetherby has been keeping folks entertained since 1940 – aside from a brief stint in the 1960s, where the frost was so bad that even putting on the big coat couldn’t sort it.
It all revolves around seven races, making it ideal for acca betting or wagering across multiple markets. The action culminates in the 3-mile National Hunt steeplechase – the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase -, regarded as the highlight of this event.
First Race: 11:52am
Last Race: 15:20pm
Race Types: Steeplechase, Hurdles
Number of Races: 7
Course Length: 1m 4f
I’d place a small bet on the first six races and go all in on the seventh
Ben Gibson – When I’m indulging in the festive races (online or in-person), I like to set up what I call a “winning pocket”. I’ll stake a fiver on each fixture, then whatever’s left goes on the favourite for the last race. It’s not the most calculated strategy, but on Boxing Day, I’m all about enjoying the action.
Boxing Day Raceday at Sedgefield – A Fun and Fuss-Free Bet Slip Boost
While Sedgefield might not have any of the big-name Boxing Day races, it’s one of the most exciting tracks in the country. The course is a left-handed oval, just over a mile long, with eight fences, tight corners and a proper thrilling finish. The final straight is three furlongs long with a steep drop that really gets the adrenaline pumping.
It’s also easy to follow. We’re talking anywhere from 6 to 12 runners, with the whole race lasting four to five minutes. While the top-tier horses might be racing off elsewhere the day after Christmas, the field here is still competitive. In fact, a lack of clear favourites often makes it more interesting.
Sedgefield is a cracking choice for anyone looking to mix-and-match multiple events. You can slot in these races around other big Boxing Day horse racing fixtures without any fuss.
First Race: 11:45am
Last Race: 15:10pm
Race Types: Steeplechase, Hurdles
Number of Races: Six
Course Length: 1m 2F
Boxing Day Racing at Aintree – Bang-On Variety
One of the reasons Boxing Day horse racing is such a hit, is the variety of races on offer. Aintree delivers just that – a top-notch mix of events, all right there, ready for you to enjoy!
Handicap hurdles, flat races, steeple chases and novices’ hurdles, all ranging from 2m 4f to 3m 1f, ensure a plethora of racing styles and betting markets to choose from.
First Race: 11:55am
Last Race: 15:25pm
Race Types: Steeplechase, Hurdles, Flat
Number of Races: 7
Course Length: 2m 4f (Steeplechase, Hurdles), 3m 1f (Flat)
The Rand Farm Park Boxing Day at Market Rasen – Ample Opportunities for Great Value Odds
There’s plenty of great value odds to be found beyond the big-name races. Take the Boxing Day festivities at Rand Farm Park, for example. They’ll feature a seven-course buffet of Class 3-5 races, showcasing lesser-known horses you won’t find on more high-profile events.
It’s bang-on if you’re looking to back a couple of long-shots. A lesser-known horse outperforming the odds will give you a sizeable return. Plus, with the variety of races on offer – from handicaps to steeplechases and hurdles, all between 2m 125y and 3m 3f 123y – horse racing on Boxing Day hardly gets more thrilling.
First Race: 12:05 pm
Last Race: 15:32pm
Race Types: Steeplechase, Hurdles
Number of Races: 7
Course Length: 2m 125y – 2m 4f 139y (Hurdles), 2m 1f 43y – 3m 3f 123y (Steeplechase)
Pay attention to jockey stats
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the jockey and trainer stats, especially if the runner’s a bit green. What you’re looking at is mostly the same – wins, rides, earnings across different types of races – but instead of checking out the horse, you’re looking up the jockey or trainer.
Boxing Day Raceday at Fontwell Park – Ultimate Festive Test of Agility and Balance
Fontwell Park is well known for its “figure-of-eight” layout, mixing left-handed and right-handed turns. Add in tight bends, changes in pace and evenly spaced jumps, and you’ve got a one-in-a-kind test for both horse and jockey across seven races (between around 2m to 3m 3f).
And it’s one to watch if you take form seriously. Horses with strong previous performances hold a clear edge, while early front-runners thrive with so many jumps near the bend. It’s a tough and technical course that can reward sharp-eyed and studious punters.
First Race: 11:57am
Last Race: 15:27pm
Race Types: Steeplechase, Hurdles
Number of Races: 7
Course Length: 2m 3f (Hurdle), 3m 3 ½ f (Steeplechase)
Boxing Day Racing at Wolverhampton – Great for Betting Across Multiple Bookmakers
We’ve talked about how it’s worth keeping an eye on the sponsors. Well, with sponsorships from bet365, BetMGM and BetUK, the chances are Boxing Day horse racing offers for Wolverhampton’s festive extravaganza are likely to be top-notch.
Looking for the best enhanced odds, extra places or free bets? These bookmakers are a great place to start. And don’t forget – there’s nothing stopping you from signing up to multiple bookmakers and bag all the best possible deals.
But that’s not the only reason to get involved. Wolverhampton offers straightforward, all-day racing fun. With a flat mile for the course and two furlongs for the straight, it’s a breezy Boxing Day horse racing schedule. Plus, this lack of bells and whistles makes it easy for casual bettors to enjoy the action in bite-sized chunks of galloping glory.
First Race: 11:50am
Last Race: 17:40pm
Race Types: Flat
Number of Races: 8
Course Length: 2m 3f (Hurdle), 3m 3 ½ f (Steeplechase)
Big Boxing Day at Wincanton – Top Pick for Jockey Focused Betting Strategy
The six Boxing Day horse racing fixtures at Wincanton feature loads of variety, with hurdle, steeplechase and novice races spanning across 1m 7f to 1m 160y. Still, the technical challenges are consistent. While much of the track is forgiving with broad turns, nine strong fences per circuit require both accuracy and confidence.
In other words, it’s not just about speed, but about having strong jumpers as well. Thus, it’s as important to keep an eye on the trainers and jockeys as it is with the horses. So, if you’re the type of punter who goes the extra mile in your research, here’s an event where your knowledge could really pay off.
First Race: 12:53pm
Last Race: 15:45pm
Race Types: Steeplechase, Hurdles
Number of Races: 6
Course Length: 1m 7f 50y – 3m 1f 30y (Hurdle), 2m 4f 35y – 3m 150y (Steeplechase)
Best Boxing Day Horse Racing Offers
Heaps of people love a punt on the sport of kings, giving bookies every reason to be generous on these Boxing Day horse racing fixtures. The only problem? With so many options, it can be tough to know where to begin. To help you make the most out of the best Boxing Day horse racing betting offers, here’s a quick rundown of the promotions you can expect.
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Welcome Offers: A proper warm-up for new punters, with free bets or other bonuses just for signing up and having a flutter.
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Best Odds Guaranteed: Dead simple this one. If the starting price ends up higher than your early odds, you get the best odds so long as BOG is in effect – a cracking deal!
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Bet Boosts: A cheeky boost to your winnings on selected races, meaning more money in your pocket if your bet turns a winner.
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Run For Your Money: If your horse doesn’t exit the stall, you’ll get you stake back – that sounds like fair play to us.
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Free Bets: Enjoy extra bets without risking any of your own cash. These are often tied to welcome promotions.
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Cash Back: A cashback deal returns your money in cash, ready to withdraw. For example, getting your stake back if your horse loses by a nose.
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Extra Place: This one’s easy – it boosts your chances for a return. For instance, the winning place spots could jump from 3 to 5, meaning more chances to win.
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Acca Insurance: Miss one leg of your accumulator? No worries – you’ll get your stake back, often as a free bet (occasionally as cash back).
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Acca Boost: Nail all your acca legs, and your winnings get a lovely boost – typically between 5% and 100%, depending on the number of selections.
Most Popular Markets to Bet on Boxing Day Races
Take a peek at any of the top UK bookmakers and you’ll uncover a goldmine of horse racing markets. That means more chances to spot value bets and pick odds that match your style.
But understanding them is key – how else would you know if they fit your Boxing Day horse racing tips? No need to fret. We’ve listed the most popular markets below so you can bet with confidence.
This one’s a classic – you simply pick a horse to win the race, and if it crosses the line first, you bag the winnings.
A bit more forgiving than the “To Win” bet. Here, you’re betting on a horse to finish in one of the top spots, typically 1st, 2nd or 3rd, depending on the size of the race.
This is like two bets in one – you bet for a horse to win, and for it to place.
Pick two horses, and if either of them finishes 1st or 2nd, you’ll walk away a winner.
For this one, you pick the first and second horses to finish, and they must come in exactly that order.
A bit trickier than a forecast, this one’s for the bold – you pick the first, second and third horses to finish, and they need to come in that precise sequence.
Here, you’ll win by picking runners to finish in the top two positions, but they can come in any order.
This one turns your typical prediction on its head. Instead of picking a winner, you’re betting on which horse won’t win the race. Perfect if you reckon the favourite won’t live up to the hype.
A bet on a horse not to finish in one of the top spots, so you’re hoping for a surprise loser for the best returns.
Here, you’re predicting how far the victorious horse will beat the second-place finisher. Whether it’s a photo-finish or a clear runaway, if you’ve got the distance right, you win.
Will Boxing Day Horse Races Be Livestreamed?
We’ve had a chat with the customer service teams from all the bookies we’ve recommended. The consensus is that, while they can’t confirm every single race, it’s likely that most of them will be streamed. Since horse races aren’t tied to exclusive licenses, unlike Premier League or NBA broadcasts, it’s expected that most capable UK bookmakers will feature livestreams.
Keep in mind that many bookies ask you to place a bet on the race to watch it. Some, like bet365, simply require you to have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Boxing Day horse racing is one of the highlights of the year for the sport of kings – a beautiful day for both spectators and punters. There are amazing events backed by competitive odds, versatile markets and promotional perks aplenty. Anyone slightly interested in horse racing will find the Boxing Day as the finest occasion to get involved.
Boxing Day Horse Racing FAQs
Boxing Day horse racing takes places at a bunch of iconic tracks around the UK, like Kempton Park, Wetherby, Sedgefield, Aintree, Market Rasen, Fontwell Park, Wolverhampton and Wincanton. You’ve got options all over, whether you’re looking to bet on the big races or something a little more low-key.
On Boxing Day, eight world-class venues host a full day of racing, with six to eight thrilling fixtures typically taking place. Most famous of all is the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Other exciting races include the historic Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby and the William Hill Top Price National Hunt Flat Race, which wraps up the action at Aintree. There’s a lovely mix of steeplechase, hurdle races, and flat races across lot of them – plenty to keep every type of punter entertained.
There’s a fantastic range of betting promotions available up for grabs on Boxing Day. You’ve got everything from welcome offers and free bets to bet boosts, acca insurance, extra places or best odds guaranteed. You’ll find many of the best Boxing Day horse racing offers on this page.
Virtually every sportsbook worth their salt will provide odds on Boxing Day horse racing fixtures, but not all are made equal. In our opinion, the very best bookies for this traditional day of racing are BetVictor, bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes, BoyleSports, Betway, Matchbook, Betfred, BetUK and Smarkets.
The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting, which first took place at Whetherby, in 1940, is widely considered the first Boxing Day race. People often mistake the iconic King George VI Chase as the first, since it began in 1937, but it didn’t take place on Boxing Day until 1947, when the course was reopened after World War 2.