Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, I look at the best of the New Year’s Day action and share my New Year’s betting resolutions.
Happy New Year!
We’ve reached that part of the festive season when it’s hard to remember what day it is. January has arrived—dark, cold, and not exactly racing’s finest month. After all the top-class action in November and December, the schedule naturally dips, with one or two standout races to anticipate. The silver lining? Each day gets a little lighter, bringing us closer to spring.
This time of year, also brings thoughts of New Year’s resolutions. Most of us, me included, abandon them by the end of January. Why? Because we aim too high, setting unrealistic goals. The trick is keeping them small, realistic, and achievable.
2025 New Year’s Betting Resolutions
2024 was a year of two halves. The first seven months were excellent, but from August to December, things became a struggle. Perhaps my focus on laying horses contributed—I’m not sure. Either way, 2025 is a fresh start, and I’ve set three clear, realistic resolutions:
Avoid out-of-form trainers and jockeys.
No matter how much I fancy a horse, if the trainer or jockey is out of form, it’s a no-bet. This rule saved me a few times in 2024, but breaking it rarely ended well. I’m sticking with it.
Don’t force a bet.
Just because I’ve spent an hour analysing a race doesn’t mean I need to have a selection. This habit cost me dearly in 2024, and I’m determined to break it.
Trust my gut more.
Overanalysis led me to miss some cracking winners last year. Time and again, I spotted the winner early, only to talk myself out of it after looking at the race more. In 2025, I’ll trust my experience and intuition more often.
New Year’s Day Racing
The Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle (3:15) headlines a seven-race card at Cheltenham in front of what should be a bumper crowd. The £100,000 Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase, won last year by Shakem Up'Arry (a subsequent Festival winner), adds to the New Year’s Day entertainment
ITV Racing will also broadcast two races from Musselburgh’s New Year’s Day card, featuring the £40,000 ‘Auld Reekie' Handicap Chase (2m 4½f). Across the Irish Sea, Tramore hosts the Grade 3 New Year’s Day Chase (2:15), won four times by Triple Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo between 2019 and 2022.
Tramore Highlight
Monty’s Star, runner-up at Cheltenham and Punchestown Grade 1 novice chases last season, is the one to beat on his seasonal return. Willie Mullins saddles four of the eight runners, including Classic Getaway, runner-up here last year, and Embassy Gardens, who goes well fresh. That said, Monty’s Star must win this to keep his Gold Cup hopes alive.
Cheltenham Focus
The Relkeel Hurdle (3:15) is the day’s standout contest.
Lucky Place a steadily progressive novice last season made a winning return in a Grade 2 at Ascot in November but must concede 6lb here.
Golden Ace chased home Lucky Place last time and is better off at the weights. The mare’s Festival and C&D wins underline her class.
Langer Dan is 11lb clear on ratings but typically peaks in spring. If today’s the day, he’ll win but is today the day.
Salver should improve on his seasonal return, with softer ground and a longer trip likely to suit.
Verdict: Langer Dan should be shorter than 11/2, the fact that he’s such a big price concerns me that he’s not going to be off here. if he's not thenam hoping Golden Ace wins.
My picks are in the New Year's Day handicap races. For today’s selections and those for the rest of January, you can get them here.
Looking Ahead
In Thursday’s column, I’ll preview some of Saturday’s big races. Here’s to a brighter year, both on and off the track.
Good luck with your New Year’s Day bets.
John
Very happy and succesful new year to you.
Thanks Joseph and you.