Racing Through Christmas: A Look Inside the Festive Season for Horse Racing
While most see Christmas as a time for celebration and family, those in horse racing keep the wheels turning, ensuring the industry operates smoothly during one of its busiest times of the year. From early morning stable routines to the excitement of Boxing Day meetings, Christmas in racing is anything but ordinary.
For trainers like Nicky Henderson, planning is key.
“The best day Christmas can fall on is a Sunday because it doesn’t disrupt the weekly schedule,” Henderson shared. “This year, with Christmas on a Wednesday, we’ve organized half the staff to work while the others get some time off. On Christmas Day, we only exercise horses running soon and let the team go early. It’s all hands on deck, with even part-time riders joining in, often donning Santa hats!”
Across the Irish Sea, champion trainer Willie Mullins embraces the festive spirit in his bustling yard.
“Christmas Day is great fun. Ex-staff, friends, and even newcomers come to ride out—many in Santa suits,” Mullins said. “In racing, it’s a seven-day-a-week job, much like farming. At times, you might envy others enjoying Christmas, but overall, we’re blessed to do what we love.”
The hard work extends to the staff and jockeys, who balance their commitments with holiday cheer. Dan Skelton ensures his team gets some respite.
“Most of the horses go out early, and about 80% of the staff go home, while others stay for lunch together. Owners like Rachel nearby even host some staff for a festive meal,” Skelton said.
For jockeys like Daryl Jacob, Christmas revolves around preparing for Boxing Day.
“Now, Christmas is all about my kids,” Jacob shared. “Depending on my Boxing Day weight, we might have Christmas dinner early. By 5 pm, I’m in the gym, then an hour in the bath, putting the kids to bed before diving into race form.”
Others, like former jockey Andrew Thornton, recall fond memories of yard camaraderie.
“At Arthur Stephenson’s, we’d finish by mid-morning, then everyone would gather at his house for a drink,” Thornton reminisced. “Working in yards is fun—you can work hard and enjoy it too.”
Meanwhile, Gavin Cromwell highlighted the challenges of racing logistics.
“Runners at Chepstow on the 27th means sending someone with a horse that might not even run due to the 24-hour declaration rule. It’s a lifestyle, not just a job,” he said.
For Barney Clifford, Kempton’s long-standing clerk of the course, working Christmas is second nature.
“Christmas Day means checking on horses stabled overnight, updating the going report, and ensuring everything is ready before heading home for lunch with family,” Clifford explained. “Having grown up on a dairy farm, I’ve never had Christmas off. Animals don’t take holidays, whether they’re dogs or horses.”
Racing’s festive season is a testament to the dedication of its people, blending tradition, hard work, and festive cheer to keep the sport thriving through the holidays.