Forget turkey and presents – for National Hunt racing fans, Christmas is all about the thrill of the chase. While most are unwrapping gifts, these enthusiasts are diving headfirst into form books, searching for that elusive winner. But here's where it gets tricky: with a packed racing schedule from Boxing Day to New Year's Day, it's easy to overlook hidden gems outside the headline meetings. So, we've done the legwork for you. We spoke to seven top trainers – Paul Nicholls, Ben Pauling, Olly Murphy, Joe Tizzard, Johnson White, Dan Skelton, and Jamie Snowden – to get their insider tips on horses primed for success over the festive period. And this is the part most people miss: these aren't just any horses; they're the ones these experts believe are ready to shine, even if they're not the obvious favorites. Could this be the year you back a Christmas cracker?
Olly Murphy kicks things off with Indeevar Blue at Aintree on December 26th. Despite past injury woes, Murphy believes this horse is hitting his stride, especially with the step up to two and a half miles. Kings Champion, another Murphy contender, is one to watch in a maiden hurdle, though the exact race is yet to be confirmed. Paul Nicholls isn’t far behind, tipping Clotilda at Wincanton and Knappers Hill at Wetherby. Clotilda, unlucky in her last outing, is expected to thrive over the extra furlong, while Knappers Hill, returning after a year off, looks set for a strong showing over three miles. Ben Pauling highlights Four Springs at Market Rasen, a recent winner who’s improved both mentally and physically, and Onewaywest at Kempton Park, a horse on the up despite a modest start last season. Dan Skelton pins his hopes on Snipe at Aintree, a past winner of this race, and Just Golden at Cheltenham, who Skelton believes will suit the track better than his last outing. Jamie Snowden is confident about Epic West at Kempton Park, a novice chaser with a promising jumping record, and Lady Tadita at Taunton, a consistent winner who’s yet to taste defeat. Joe Tizzard backs Ambion View at Chepstow, a horse he thinks will benefit from the longer trip, and West Orchard at Taunton, who showed plenty of promise in his recent comeback. Finally, Johnson White fancies Thomas Mor at Kempton Park, a horse he believes is overpriced and worth an each-way bet, and Tiny Tetley at Wincanton, who returns to hurdles in great form. But here’s the controversial part: with so many strong contenders, who will you back? Are these trainers’ picks a sure thing, or is there a dark horse waiting to steal the show? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
