Happy Christmas!

There is no racing in the U.K. on the 23rd, 24th and 25th December, giving stressed-out betting shop employees and racing journalists a welcome Christmas break. There is of course virtually non-stop racing in France, and also N.H. racing today in Thurles, although by Irish Sunday standards this is a very low-key card. Main event here is the listed hurdle race at 14,30 CET with 5 runners, 3 of them owned by Gigginstown Stud. Willie Mullins´ Midnight Game, out of an Acatenango mare, looks the best of them and is the choice of retained jockey Davy Russell. Despite giving weight away all round, he can take this at the main expense of Joxer (W Harney/ Bryan Cooper), who finished runner-up to him a year ago and is now 10 lbs better off. Willie Mullins can complete a double half an hour later with recent import from France Unika la Reconce (Ruby Walsh) in the mares maiden hurdle. We shall back on Wednesday, Boxing Day, with a huge programme (weather permitting!) featuring in particu lar the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

We wish all readers, punters and racing fans a very Happy Christmas!