Boxing Day racing 2026: King George VI Chase and the Welsh Grand National

Boxing Day racing and Christmas dates 2026: Kempton and Chepstow

Race times are confirmed closer to the day. Check the racecourse for the off times.

Kempton Boxing Day: the King George VI Chase

A three mile chase at Kempton and one of the biggest races of the jumps season. It's a level weights race for the top staying chasers, and form from it often feeds into the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Fields are usually small, so King George odds come with less generous each way terms than a big handicap. Check how many places pay before betting each way.

Welsh Grand National: Monday 28 December at Chepstow

A long distance handicap chase at Chepstow, often run on testing winter ground. Big handicap fields usually mean more places paid each way, which suits bigger priced runners.

For example, £5 each way at 16/1 with 1/4 odds, if the horse only places, returns £25.00 against a £10 stake. That's a profit of £15.00 without winning.

Christmas racing betting tips: BOG, Rule 4, ante-post and extra places

• Use best odds guaranteed when betting on the morning of the race.
• Winter ground can bring late withdrawals, so expect Rule 4 deductions.
• Ante-post prices for both races are open now, but you lose your stake if the horse doesn't run unless you have non-runner no bet.
• Shop for extra place offers on the Welsh National.

Racing calculators:Rule 4 calculatorLucky 15 calculatorForecast and tricast calculator

Questions people ask