Boxing Day Racing

Get ready for the thrill of the year as Boxing Day, a key date in the UK & Irish horse racing scene, rolls in with eleven heart-pounding race meetings. Our team has got you covered with everything you need to know about racing on Boxing Day.

Discover the latest Boxing Day betting offers, free bets and sign-up deals from reliable online bookmakers. We’ve also broken down the main races and got you top racing tips for this exciting day – find it all in our guide to the best horse racing tips for Boxing Day 2023.

The highlight? The 2023 Kempton Winter Festival, showcasing six fantastic races of national hunt jump racing at Kempton Park Racecourse. And with ten other horse racing meetings on the same day, catch all the action on channels like Racing TV, ITV Racing, and Sky Sports Racing – the races come at you thick and fast!

In our Boxing Day guide, get the latest betting tips, free bet info, and odds for the horse racing events on December 26, 2023. It’s all about the thrill, the speed, and the skill as Boxing Day transforms racecourses into vibrant arenas of excitement. Don’t miss the tradition and excitement colliding on the frosty tracks of winter racing!

Boxing Day Racing Free Bets

The top Boxing Day racing betting sites are:

  • Sky Bet Horse Racing

    Sky Bet Logo
    BET 5 GET 30 FREE
    Sky Bet free bet has been voted the best Boxing Day betting promotion for horse racing punters for wagering bets on December 26th

    NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. 5P MINIMUM STAKE. 3 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS EXCLUDE VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. BEGAMBLEAWARE.ORG

    Full T&C's Apply

  • bet365 Horse Racing

    Bet365 Horse Racing
    BET £10 GET £30 IN FREE BETS
    Bet365’s Boxing Day free bet is the preferred choice among festival horse racing punters, offering exceptional value for bets placed on December 26th

    Full T&C's Apply

  • Coral Horse Racing

    Coral Horse Racing
    GET £20 IN FREE BETS
    Coral’s Boxing Day betting offers are the gift that keeps on giving, providing punters with holiday cheer and the chance to win big.

    18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 1x £20 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply.

    Full T&C's Apply

  • William Hill Horse Racing

    William Hill Horse Racing Logo
    BET £10 GET £30 IN FREE BETS
    William Hill’s Boxing Day free bet steals the spotlight, making it the go-to choice for punters on December 26th, delivering added value to your bets.

    18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad

    Full T&C's Apply

  • Paddy Power Horse Racing

    Paddy Power Sports Logo
    BET £20 AND GET IT BACK AS CASH IF IT LOSES
    Paddy Power’s Boxing Day betting deals pack a punch, delivering knockout value and excitement to your wagering experience during the holiday season.

    New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any Football market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply.
    Full T&C's Apply

  • BoyleSports Horse Racing

    Boyle Sports Horse Racing Logo
    BET £10 GET £20 IN FREE BETS + FREE BET IF 2ND TO SP FAV
    BoyleSports’ Boxing Day free bet is elevating your Boxing Day betting game. The welcome bonus at Boylesports betting app is great for bettors online

    New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Payment method restrictions. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&C’s Apply **18+. UK/IRE customers only. Max refund £/€20. Win or win part of e/w outright singles only. 5 or more runners. 1st bet on each race. Free bet expires after 7 days. Free/void/antepost bets don’t qualify. Unnamed 2nd Favs don’t qualify.

    Full T&C's Apply

  • Betfair Horse Racing

    Betfair Horse Racing
    BET £10 GET £30
    Betfair’s Boxing Day betting promotions, sign-up offers, and welcome bonuses are the gifts that keep on giving, making your holiday wagering experience truly exceptional.

    New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. Please Gamble Responsibly.

    Full T&C's Apply

  • BetUK Horse Racing

    BetUK Logo 250x150
    BET £10 GET £30
    BetUK’s Boxing Day betting offers are a slam dunk for punters, providing a winning edge during the holiday season, ensuring your bets are truly rewarding.

    New customers, opt-in and deposit within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets. Free bets must be used on 4 or more selections with odds of 3/10 (1.3) or greater, stake not returned. 18+ BeGambleAware.org.

    Full T&C's Apply

  • Unibet Horse Racing

    Unibet Horse Racing Logo
    UP TO £40 MONEY BACK
    Unibet’s Boxing Day special free bet is a holiday treat, making it the top pick for festive wagering, adding cheer to your betting experience.

    18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first racing bet loses. Wagering: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Sports bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in.

    Full T&C's Apply

  • Betfred Horse Racing

    Betfred Horse Racing
    BET £10 GET £40 IN FREE BETS
    Betfred’s Boxing Day betting specials are a real treat, offering punters unbeatable value and excitement during the holiday season, setting you up for big wins.

    New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required.

    Full T&C's Apply

  • Ladbrokes Horse Racing

    Ladbrokes Horse Racing
    BET £5 GET £20 IN FREE BETS
    Ladbrokes’ Christmas bonuses are a festive delight, enhancing your holiday wagering experience and making Boxing Day betting merrier than ever.

    18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply.

    Full T&C's Apply

  • Spreadex Horse Racing

    Spreadex Horse Racing Logo
    GET £300 CASHBACK
    Spreadex’s Boxing Day betting opportunities provide a unique and exciting way to maximize your holiday wagers, ensuring a thrilling and rewarding experience.

    New Customer Offer. T&Cs Apply. 18+. Please Gamble Responsibly.

    Full T&C's Apply

I go into more detail on these sites specifically looking at the best UK horse racing betting websites and best horse racing apps as well – check them out or follow the links here for more info.

The Top 8 Best Betting Sites for Boxing Day Racing

For those seeking an extra layer of excitement, exploring the best betting sites is a must. Here are some top recommendations for Boxing Day betting:

1. Bet365

Known for its comprehensive coverage and competitive odds, Bet365 offers a user-friendly platform for Boxing Day racing enthusiasts. The site often features special promotions and live-streaming options.

2. William Hill

A stalwart in sports betting, William Hill provides a seamless experience for Boxing Day races with a variety of markets and promotions.

3. Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes stands out for diverse betting markets and generous promotions, catering to both novice and experienced bettors.

4. Betfair

For those interested in exchange betting, Betfair is a popular choice, allowing users to set their own odds for unique Boxing Day wagers.

5. Paddy Power

Renowned for quirky promotions and enhanced odds, Paddy Power adds fun to Boxing Day betting with a user-friendly interface.

6. Boylesports

Boylesports, known for competitive odds and a wide range of betting markets, is a solid choice for Boxing Day racing enthusiasts.

Boxing Day Racing Tips

Looking for the best tips for Boxing Day? We have all the meetings covered.

Boxing Day Racing Meetings

We look at all the racing meetings taking place on Boxing Day in both the UK and Ireland:

Kempton Park Winter Festival

Kempton Park takes centre stage with its Winter Festival, showcasing the illustrious King George VI Chase. This Grade 1 steeplechase not only draws the finest horses but also captivates audiences with its rich history. The renowned Christmas Hurdle adds a layer of suspense and skill to this festive gathering.

The Kempton races are as below:

  • 12:45pm – 2m4½f – Ladbrokes Boost Your Odds On Racing Novices’ Limited Handicap
  • 1.20pm – 3m – Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase
  • 1:55 – 2m – Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle
  • 2:30 – 3m – Ladbrokes King George VI Chase
  • 3:05 – 2m – ladbrokeslive.co.uk To Win Free Music Tickets Maiden Hurdle
  • 3:40 – 2m5f – Ladbrokes Get Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

Aintree Boxing Day Racing

Aintree adds its flavour to the Boxing Day racing lineup of thrilling races, as below:

  • 11:55am – 2m4f – William Hill Double Your Odds Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
  • 12:30pm – 2m4f – Unibet Middle Distance Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase
  • 1:05pm – 2m½f  – William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle
  • 1:40pm – 2m4f – William Hill Epic Value Handicap Hurdle
  • 2:15pm – 3m1f – William Hill Epic Boost Handicap Chase
  • 2:50pm – 2m4f – William Hill Cheltenham NRMB From January 1st Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
  • 3:25pm – 2m1f – William Hill Stories Open National Hunt Flat Race

Wetherby Boxing Day Racing

Wetherby’s Boxing Day meeting features the captivating Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase, full racing line up at Wetherby as below:

  • 11:52am – 2m3½f – William Hill Epic Value Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
  • 12:27pm – 2m3½f – William Hill Play Responsibly Novices’ Handicap Chase
  • 1:00pm – 2m3½f – William Hill Epic Boost Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
  • 1:35pm – 3m – William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase
  • 2:10pm – 2m5½f – William Hill Lengthen Your Odds Handicap Hurdle
  • 2:45pm – 2m3½f – William Hill Extra Places Every Day Handicap Chase
  • 3:20pm – 2m – William Hill Betting TV Handicap Hurdle

Wolverhampton Boxing Day Racing

Wolverhampton Racecourse contributes to the festivities with a unique blend of races, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the racing spectacle.

  • 1:50pm – 5f – Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Nursery Handicap
  • 2:25pm – 5f – Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling EBF Novice Stakes
  • 3:00pm – 7f – Bet £10 Get £40 At BetMGM Handicap
  • 3:35pm – 7f – Bet £10 Get £40 At BetMGM Handicap
  • 4:05pm – 7f – Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap
  • 4:35pm – 1m1½f – BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap
  • 5:05pm – 1m1½f- Boost Your Acca-Fenwa With BetUK Handicap
  • 35pm – 1m4f – Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap

Fontwell Park Boxing Day Racing

Fontwell Park adds its distinctive charm to the Boxing Day lineup, drawing in a diverse audience with a mix of seasoned and new racing enthusiasts.

  • 11:57am – 2m1½f – Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap Hurdle
  • 12:32pm – 2m3f – Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
  • 1:07pm – 2m1½f – Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Novices’ Hurdle
  • 1:42pm – 2m2f – BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap Chase
  • 2:17pm – 2m1½f – Bet £10 Get £40 At BetMGM Juvenile Maiden Hurdle
  • 2:52pm – 3m2f – BetMGM: Stay Golden With Responsible Play Handicap Chase
  • 3:27pm – 3m2f – Set Deposit Limits At BetMGM Handicap Hurdle

Market Rasen Boxing Day Racing

Market Rasen plays a pivotal role in Boxing Day racing, hosting a series of engaging races that capture the crowds imagination and contribute to the festive racing spirit.

The full line up of races for Boxing Day at Market Rasen:

  • 12:05pm – 2m1/2f – Rand Farm Park Day Handicap Hurdle
  • 12:40pm – 2m1/2f – North Lincs Components Limited Novices’ Hurdle
  • 1:15pm – 3m – Mal & Mo Fox Memorial Vase Novices’ Handicap Chase
  • 1:47pm – 2m5 1/2f – Rand Farm Park All Weathers Novices’ Handicap Chase
  • 2:22pm – 2m4 1/2f – Rand Farm Park Family Days Out Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
  • 2:57pm – 3m 3 1/2f – Pallinc Lincolnshire National Handicap Chase
  • 3:32pm – 2m 2 1/2f – Rand Farm Park Pigs In Blankets Handicap Hurdle

Wincanton Boxing Day Racing

Wincanton’s Boxing Day meeting unfolds with exciting races, showcasing the skill of both jockeys and horses at the West Country track.

The full list of Wincanton races:

  • 12:18pm – 2m4f – Ollie Michael Smith Memorial EBF & Mares’ Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
  • 12:53pm – 1m7f – Steelbeams Online mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
  • 1:28pm – 3m1f – Rodney Francis Chinnock Memorial Lord Stalbridge Cup Handicap Chase
  • 2:03pm – 2m4f – Somerton Gates & Railing Mid-Season Handicap Chase
  • 2:38pm – 1m7f – Steal Beams Steelbeams.Online Boxing Day Handicap Hurdle
  • 3:13pm – 3m1/2f – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
  • 3:45pm – 1m7f – Supporting Southmead Hospital Intensive Care Unit Open National Hunt Flat Race

Sedgefield Racing Boxing Day

Sedgefield Racecourse contributes to the nationwide celebration of Boxing Day racing, adding its unique character to the festive horse racing calendar.

Full Sedgefield races for Boxing Day here:

  • 1:45am – 2m4f – Download The Vickers.Bet App Novices’ Hurdle
  • 12:15pm – 2m4f – Join The Vickers.Bet Free Bet Club Handicap Hurdle
  • 12:50pm – 2m1f – Best Odds Guaranteed Daily At Vickers.Bet Handicap Chase
  • 1:25pm – 2m1f – I.W.E. Electrical Services Ltd Maiden Hurdle
  • 2:00 – 2m4f – Castle Construction NE Ltd. Handicap Hurdle
  • 2:35pm – 2m3½f – Vickers.Bet Handicap Chase
  • 3:10pm – 2m1f – Gary Wood Memorial Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race

Leopardstown Racing Boxing Day

Crossing over to Ireland, Leopardstown takes centre stage with the prestigious Savills Chase and the captivating Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase. These Grade 1 races add an international flair to the Boxing Day festivities.

  • 12pm – 2m – TRI Equestrian Maiden Hurdle
  • 35pm – 2m – Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle
  • 10pm – 2m – Mercedes-Benz South Dublin Juvenile Hurdle
  • 45pm – 2m – [email protected] Novice Handicap Hurdle
  • 2:20 – 2m1f – Racing Post Novice Chase
  • 55pm – 2m1f – New Smart View Racecards By Racing Post Handicap Chase
  • 30pm – 2m – Race And Stay INH Flat Race

Limerick Racing Boxing Day

Limerick hosts an exciting day of racing, races as below:

  • 12:25pm – 2m – Aqua Process Solutions 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle
  • 12:58pm – 2m – Signsplus Maiden Hurdle
  • 1:33pm – 2m 7f – Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle
  • 2:08pm – 2m 4f – Mr. Binman Mares Handicap Hurdle
  • 2:40pm – 2m 1 1/2f – O’Kelly Brothers Demolition Rated Novice Chase
  • 3:15pm – 2m 1 1/2f – BRC McMahon Reinforcements Handicap Chase
  • 3:50pm – 2m – CJ Sheeran Mares INH Flat Race

Down Royal Racing Boxing Day

Down Royal’s contribution to Boxing Day racing showcases the enduring appeal of the sport in Northern Ireland.

The full race line up for Down Royal on Boxing Day:

  • 11:40am – 2m 4f – I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle
  • 12:13pm – 2m 1f – Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle
  • 12:48pm – 2m 1f – Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle
  • 1:23pm – 2m 4f – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase
  • 1:58pm – 2m 4f – Metcollect Handicap Chase
  • 2:33pm – 3m – Metcollect Oil Recycling Hunters Chase
  • 3:08pm – 2m 1f – Metcollect Metal Recycling (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Boxing Day Horse Racing So Popular?

The festive season is a hotbed for betting, especially with lots of UK sporting events but Boxing Day racing takes centre stage. This article gives you the lowdown on the best races, offering insights and even some betting tips for enthusiasts keen on diving into the excitement of these thrilling races.

What are the feature races on Boxing Day?

The feature races on Boxing Day include the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton Park and the Christmas Hurdle. Each course typically has its signature races.

Which racecourses host Boxing Day meetings?

Racecourses hosting Boxing Day meetings include Kempton Park, Aintree, Wetherby, Wolverhampton, Fontwell Park, Market Rasen, Wincanton, Sedgefield, Leopardstown, Limerick, and Down Royal.

What are the latest betting offers and promotions for Boxing Day racing?

Bookmakers often roll out special promotions for Boxing Day racing. These can include enhanced odds, free bets, and exclusive sign-up offers. To get the latest information check out our website.

How can I watch Boxing Day racing live?

Boxing Day racing is typically broadcast on channels like Racing TV, ITV Racing, and Sky Sports Racing. Additionally, many bookmakers offer live streaming services for account holders.

Summary of Boxing Day Racing in the UK & Ireland

As the curtains rise on the Boxing Day racing, each race meeting has its own excellence and festive cheer.

From the historic King George VI Chase at Kempton Park to the international allure of Leopardstown’s Savills Chase, the day promises thrills, skill, and unforgettable moments.

Embrace the traditions, explore top betting sites, and saddle up for a day of excitement, competition, and the timeless spirit of Boxing Day horse racing!

Joe Norris is a specialist horse racing tipster who also provides expert sports betting predictions at some of the leading sportsbook websites like Oddschecker. Joe has a love for horse racing and Director of GetYourTipsOut. Joe’s GYTO tips have shown profits leading to him being voted “Best Sport Betting Tipster in 2023”.