This week features premier horse racing events. Monday includes Maughreen's debut at Punchestown and A Dublin Job at Hereford. Entries for the Clarence House Chase and Winter Million festival at Lingfield are also due. Tuesday focuses on Cheltenham Festival entries, especially novice chase fields. Marine Nationale is expected in Arkle entries. Chepstow and Plumpton face challenges due to cold weather. Three all-weather fixtures are scheduled if jumps meetings are canceled. Weights for upcoming races at Doncaster and Newbury are published.
Wednesday's highlight is Fern Hill at Newbury, potentially carrying a high weight. Southwell and Newcastle also host jumps fixtures, with evening racing at Kempton. Thursday's Somerset National at Wincanton is a key race. Lows of -4C are expected but the meeting may
This week in horse racing features several key events:
- Monday: Maureen debuts in Punchestown's mares' bumper. A Dublin Job competes at Hereford in a novice handicap hurdle. Entries for Clarence House Chase and Lingfield's Winter Million are expected.
- Tuesday: Cheltenham Festival entries for novice chases are announced. Tom Segal's Pricewise column on Arkle entries is available for Members' Club subscribers. Weather challenges at Chepstow and Plumpton might affect jumps meetings, while all-weather races are scheduled at Newcastle, Dundalk, and Wolverhampton. Weights for the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase and Betfair Hurdle are published.
- Wednesday: Fern Hill competes in Newbury's handicap chase. Jumps fixtures are scheduled at Southwell, with all-weather action at Newcastle. Evening racing at Kempton features Billy Loughnane.
- Thursday: The Somerset National at Wincanton is the highlight, with potential challenges from low temperatures. The day also includes racing at Newcastle, Ludlow, Fairyhouse, and a Flat meeting at Southwell.
- Friday: Lingfield's Winter Million festival begins with the Premier race day, including the Sovereign Handicap Hurdle. Market Rasen hosts Listed action, and all-weather races are at Newcastle and Wolverhampton.
- Saturday: A major clash between Jonbon and El Fabiolo in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. Premier racing at Haydock features the Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle and Peter Marsh Chase. Lingfield's morning fixture accommodates afternoon meetings, ending with the Winter Oaks.
- Sunday: The week concludes with the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield, jump racing at Fakenham and Thurles, and a floodlit meeting at Chelmsford.