The British Horseracing Authority has approved ITV-backed changes to the 2026 Christmas fixture schedule, creating four consecutive days of free-to-air jump racing from 26-29 December.
Kempton Park will keep its traditional Ladbrokes Christmas Festival dates on 26 and 27 December, with the King George VI Chase remaining the Boxing Day centrepiece.
The Kauto Star Chase moves to 27 December, while Chepstow’s Coral Welsh Grand National becomes the feature event on 28 December and Newbury’s Coral Challow Hurdle takes a fixed slot on 29 December.
The British Horseracing Authority confirmed the revised schedule on Thursday, saying the changes were brokered by Racecourse Media Group after an initiative led by Entain, with support from Kempton, Chepstow, Newbury and ITV Racing.
The BHA has confirmed a number of changes to the 2026 Christmas fixture schedule to deliver four consecutive days of @itvracing coverage from 26 December to 29 December.
Full details: https://t.co/JwPPVLjCg2 pic.twitter.com/AgAmgPFkaZ
— British Horseracing Authority (@BHAHorseracing) July 2, 2026
Christmas Jump Racing Gets Clearer ITV Run
The switch removes the existing 27 December clash between Kempton and Chepstow, giving the Welsh Grand National a standalone ITV focus a day later. Hereford has also been moved from 8 December to 27 December to support that day’s coverage.
BHA director of racing Richard Wayman said the festive period remains “an important one” for the sport because of the exposure generated by its highest-profile races. ITV Racing programme editor Richard Willoughby added that a British Christmas racing festival had “long been” on the broadcaster’s agenda.
For racegoers and viewers, the result is a cleaner four-day jumps sequence: King George day at Kempton, Kauto Star day, Welsh Grand National day and Challow Hurdle day.
ITV Racing’s New Christmas Schedule
Friday, December 26
- Kempton Park – Ladbrokes Christmas Festival
- Ladbrokes King George VI Chase Day
- Plus racing from Aintree and Wetherby
Saturday, December 27
- Kempton Park – Ladbrokes Christmas Festival
- Ladbrokes Kauto Star Chase Day
- Plus racing from Wetherby and Hereford
Sunday, December 28
- Chepstow – Coral Welsh Grand National Day
- Plus racing from Leicester
Monday, December 29
- Newbury – Coral Challow Hurdle Day
- Plus racing from Doncaster
