No less than 10 fixtures are scheduled to take place from December 26th until the end of the year, with four-day festivals running concurrently at Leopardstown and Limerick respectively.
There is also action at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day, while the Punchestown fixture on New Year’s Eve marks the end of the 2024 campaign.
With all 10 entered over the festive period, the horses below should help recoup funds lost on Christmas expenses!
THE BIG WESTERNER – Henry de Bromhead
Entered in the Grade 2 Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle on December 26th
A winner on debut at Ballycahane when in the care of Matthew Flynn O’Connor, this well-bred bay was subsequently purchased by current connections for £120,000. A half-sister to 2023 Albert Bartlett winner Stay Away Fay, she followed-up on that point-to-point success when beating mostly geldings on her first start for Henry de Bromhead at Punchestown last month. Showing likeable battling qualities to beat the favourite on that occasion, she is open to further progress, with a step-up in trip likely to play to her strengths.
FINAL DEMAND – Willie Mullins
Entered at Down Royal on December 26th and for two races at Limerick on the 28th.
Bought for a massive €230,000 as an unraced three-year-old, this Walk In The Park bay is another to have graduated from the Ballycrystal Stables of Matthew Flynn O’Connor. An impressive winner on his sole point-to-point start at Lingstown in March, he was subsequently sold privately to current connections. Out of dual Grade 3 winner Zuzka and given a favourable mention by Willie Mullins in a recent stable tour, it’s significant that he already holds an entry at the highest level.
DEONS DIAMOND – Philip Rothwell
Entered in the Mr. Binman Mares Handicap Hurdle at Limerick on December 26th.
Twice successful from five starts last season, this chestnut five-year-old was an excellent fourth at Fairyhouse earlier this month, on what was her first start in just over a year. She had some smart performers behind her on that occasion and now set for a return to the smaller obstacles, she should have little difficultly in making her presence felt.
RESTLESS SON – Norman Lee
Entered on successive days at Limerick, December 27th and 28th.
A low-grade handicapper, this Califet seven-year-old is better than his bare form would suggest. An eyecatcher when a never nearer fourth at Limerick on his penultimate start, he was subsequently disqualified and demoted to last after his rider failed to weigh-in. From the family of 2007 Galway Plate winner Sir Fredrick, he is entered in two races at Limerick, but may not make the cut, with 35 and 89 horses currently engaged in both contests.
WORKAHEAD – Henry de Bromhead
Entered in maiden hurdles at Leopardstown on December 26th and at Limerick on the 28th.
The Limerick engagement looks an easier option for this point-to-point graduate. An eight-length winner on his debut at Cragmore when in the care of Colin Bowe, he was subsequently bought privately by current connections. Now in the Barry Maloney silks of 2021 Gold Cup winner Minella Indo, he ran a fine race on his first start for Henry de Bromhead at Navan earlier this month, finishing third to Champion Bumper hero Jasmin De Vaux. A half-brother to Bronn, who is a Grade 2 winner over flights, he should come on plenty for that Proudstown Park effort and won’t be far away wherever he turns up over the Christmas period.
WILLITGOAHEAD – Sean Thomas Doyle
Entered in the Masterchefs 2025 Maiden Hunters at Limerick on December 29th.
While successful just once in his first six outings, this Getaway gelding seems to have turned a corner in recent months, winning his last three. He really announced himself as a force to be reckoned with when trouncing Punchestown Champion Hunters Chase runner-up Lifetime Ambition at Tinahely on his penultimate start. Now set for his first track start, this six-year-old bay will prove hard to beat.
KALIX DELARRIERE – Willie Mullins
Entered in maiden hurdles at Leopardstown on December 26th and 28th.
This Galiway bay created a favourable impression on debut at Ballinrobe in May, beating subsequent Listed winner Seo Linn into second. The fourth and seventh from that contest have also won since. While Ballinrobe in May mightn’t be the most obvious place to look for future stars, it’s worth noting that Willie Mullins won the same contest 12-months previous with Mystical Power, a dual winner at the highest level last season. Described as ‘top drawer’ by Mullins in a recent attheraces stable tour, connections are likely to be disappointed if this French bred fails to deliver should he turn up at Leopardstown.
JANES HARBOUR – Joseph O’Brien
Entered in the Listed QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle at Limerick on December 29th
An eyecatcher on more than one occasion, this JP McManus homebred looks a winner in waiting. One of 15 entered for the above contest, she’ll be towards the bottom of the handicap if taking her chance. Appearing well-treated off an initial mark of 105, she looks well capable of making her presence felt, despite the fact she has plenty to find on ratings with some of her potential rivals.
LE MALIN – Sean McParlan
Entered in the Metcollect Handicap Chase at Down Royal on December 26th
Northern trainers tend to do well at this Down Royal fixture, with Noel Kelly, who saddled a double, and Stuart Crawford both on target 12-months ago. While by no means a spring chicken, Le Malin showed his still retains plenty of ability when a good third at Punchestown on his penultimate start. Again running well when fifth over flights on his most recent outing, the locally-trained 10-year-old looks primed for a big run, returning to the larger obstacles off a mark of just 95.
SOMMESKY – Henry de Bromhead
Entered in maiden hurdles at both Down Royal on December 26th and at Limerick on the 29th.
A winner of a bumper on debut at Limerick in March, this Soldier Of Fortune five-year-old really finished with a flourish in an eventful 25 runner contest on his first try over flights at Fairyhouse last month. Done little favours by a loose horse on that occasion, he eventually finished a close fourth, a place ahead of dual Grade 1 bumper winner A Dream To Share. In truth, that was a quality contest and set for an easier assignment now, he should prove hard to beat wherever he turns up.
Looking For More Racing Info? Check Out Our Racecards & Top Tips Sections
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.