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.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.
