2024 LOOKS MAKE OR BREAK FOR RACING

Sky Racing correspondent Robert Cooper is hoping for a dry start to a new year that could be vital for our sport

- Robert Cooper

Happy New Year! It looks sure to be an interesting one as we emerge from the winter shadows. This could be a make or break year for racing with many issues at stake; the affordability saga has to be resolved pronto and as the days become lighter we eagerly await the reaction and consequences to the 'new dawn' breaking over the 170 'Premier' fixtures tailored to showcase our wonderful sport, and get the turnstiles clicking. It's not only the punters that have to play ball but the weather too; December was a wretched month for jumps cancellations so surely it's not asking too much to request a mild and only slightly damp January.

Money is tight these days and a day at the races is a luxury that even the most ardent fan can see stretching beyond their budget. There are certainly some attractive fixtures this month, how about the three-day Winter Million Festival at Lingfield (January 19-21)? An 'early bird' pass for the entire meeting can be snapped up for £20 that sounds excellent value. Friday and Sunday are jumps days, either side of the first Saturday morning meeting of the year. There's a 10.30 start but an alarm call may prove worthwhile on a Polytrack card featuring the Winter Oaks. The action is done and dusted by 1.35 followed by some live music.