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.
Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree