The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed a series of adjustments to the 2026 Christmas fixture schedule, aiming to secure four consecutive days of broadcast coverage from December 26 to December 29.
The policy-driven overhaul is designed to maximize the commercial impact and visibility of prominent winter jump events by eliminating previous broadcast overlaps.
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Key Changes to the Schedule
Under the updated calendar, Kempton Park retains its traditional dates on December 26 and 27.
The Welsh Grand National at Chepstow moves to Monday, December 28, followed by the Challow Hurdle at Newbury on December 29.
Richard Wayman, BHA Director of Racing, said: “The Christmas period is always an important one for our sport, with increased exposure generated by some of the highest profile races in the calendar.
As we seek not only to retain but grow the sport’s fanbase, we are pleased to approve this cross-industry initiative that will see four consecutive days of high-class racing on free-to-air television.”
The scheduled broadcast window received logistical backing from media networks, which plan to streamline national coverage over the bank holiday period.
Richard Willoughby, ITV Racing Programme Editor, said: “A British Christmas racing festival has long been on our agenda, and we’re delighted to work with the BHA, the racecourses and their respective sponsorship partners to support this new initiative which will undoubtedly enhance the racing calendar over the festive period.”
Venue operators noted that coordinating the calendar across consecutive days allows each event to attract independent public interest.
