What's on in January?

Features | 2nd January 2026

The New Year has brought a new approach to Premier Racing.

The emphasis is, now, even more focussed on quality. Only the very best fixtures will receive the Premier status.

This month there are two meetings highlighted by the initiative. Here’s a look at what is in store at those prestigious fixtures.

Ascot

BetMGM Clarence House Chase Raceday, Saturday 17 January

The Royal track hosts the first Premier Racing meeting of 2026 with a belting line up of quality contests.

Some of the greats of the sport have graced this fixture and this year is unlikely to be any different.

Feature race – BetMGM Clarence House Stakes (Grade 1)

There is something very special about watching top-class two-mile chasers battle it out at one of the sport’s best venues.

The Clarence House Chase has thrown up some of the most thrilling tussles down the years and this prestigious trophy has been won by some of the greatest horses.

Desert Orchid, Viking Flagship, Master Minded and Sprinter Sacre are all etched on to the roll of honour, while Irish star Un De Sceaux holds the record as a three-time winner.

Last year, Jonbon gave trainer Nicky Henderson his seventh victory in the race. He could return to defend his crown and there is likely to be a strong Irish challenge.

There’s an excellent line up of races on the Clarence House undercard.

The BetMGM Warfield Mares’ Hurdle was a strong affair last season. Take No Chances – who went on to finish third in Grade 1 races won by Lossiemouth at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals – beat subsequent County Hurdle heroine Kargese. The Grade 2 contest is likely to attract another decent field this year.

The BetMGM Juvenile Hurdle – won last year by Triumph Hurdle runner-up Lulamba – and the £100,000 Bet365 Handicap Chase are other notable races on an superb card.

Ticket details

Entrance tickets start at £19.

There are special deals as part of the Berkshire Winter Million. Anyone wanting to attend all three days – Friday at Windsor, Saturday at Ascot and Sunday at Windsor – can buy a special ticket for just £40.

A two day ticket for Ascot’s card and one of the Windsor meetings is £30.

For full details go to www.ascot.com

Cheltenham

Festival Trials Day, Saturday 24 January

Festival Trials day is the final Cheltenham fixture before the all-important four-day March meeting.

There will be a huge amount of Festival clues on display with no less than five Grade 2 races on the superb card.

Feature race – Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2)

Anyone of the five Grade 2 contests could be considered as the main event but the Unibet International Hurdle probably tops the lot.

It was moved from Cheltenham’s December meeting to this fixture two years ago when top-class mare Lossiemouth was successful.

Last year, Constitutional Hill added his name to the roll of honour to join the likes of The New One, Binocular and Rooster Booster.

This season’s race is sure to have an impact on the Champion Hurdle puzzle with top two-mile hurdlers from both Britain and Ireland likely to be in the line-up.

It’s hard to imagine a card with more depth.

The Betfair Cotswold Chase serves as a Gold Cup trial with the pick of the British staying chasers often using the Grade 2 prize as a stepping stone to the Festival.

The Betfair Cleeve Hurdle – another Grade 2 contest – often attracts the very best staying hurdlers. Big Buck’s, Thistlecrack and Paisley Park have all won this prestigious race at least once.

The AIS Novices’ Hurdle and the JCB Triumph Trial are the other Grade 2 races. Throw in a couple of competitive handicaps and the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, and you end up with a stellar afternoon of top racing action.

Ticket details

Tickets for the Best Mate Enclosure are just £13 in advance. The Club/Tattersalls Enclosure tickets are £32. Admission to both enclosures is more expensive if purchased on the gate.

For full details go to www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham