'Nothing is certain or imminent' - Kempton manager's message to racegoers over track's future, with Christmas sales ahead of last year

Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources or find out more here

Kempton general manager Simon Durrant said his team's focus is "putting on fantastic racing and great days out" despite speculation about the course's future, with ticket sales for the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival ahead of last year's curve.

The King George VI Chase will headline two days of action at Kempton on December 26 and 27, and advanced sales are going well, potentially with the benefit of a reduced Premier League football schedule on Boxing Day.

A total of 21,019 spectators attended Kempton last Christmas, and Durrant said: "Ticket sales have been strong across both days of our Ladbrokes Christmas Festival for some time now, and we've been consistently ahead of the sales curve we saw in 2024.

"We received some fantastic feedback last year from people saying they had really enjoyed the two days, and that was definitely a factor in people booking early for this year. I also think that we've benefited a little from there being no Premier League football on Boxing Day aside from one evening fixture, as that will have helped drive interest and ticket sales.

"We're sold out in our hospitality areas on both days and also in our premier enclosure and reserved seating on Boxing Day. We only have around 400 tickets left on Boxing Day in our paddock enclosure, but have more availability in the festival enclosure. On December 27 we have availability in all areas, apart from hospitality."

The future of Kempton has returned to the headlines after Jockey Club (JCR) chief executive Jim Mullen said the course was "out of my hands" due to an option agreed with developer Redrow in 2018. 

Leading jumps trainers Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls and Alan King have been among the most vocal in their defence of the track's importance in the days since, with speculation also mounting as to what it might mean for the future of the King George VI Chase.

Durrant is keen to focus on Kempton's customers, and added: "While there has been a lot of speculation about the future of Kempton Park in recent days, our message to racegoers is that nothing is certain or imminent. Our focus is on putting on fantastic racing and great days out here at Kempton Park, not only next week but throughout 2026 and for years to come."

Chepstow: hosts the Welsh Grand National on December 27Credit: Edward Whitaker

JCR also owns Aintree, the location for the other Grade 1 action in Britain on Boxing Day with the Formby Novices' Hurdle. The meeting is only in its third year but advanced ticket sales are up 30 per cent on last year.

Dickon White, the Jockey Club's north west regional director, said: "This is a fixture which is still very much in its infancy and we only have two previous years to compare to. However, ticket sales are up 30 per cent on the same time 12 months ago, which is a real positive, and we still have some availability in a few of our restaurants.

"The fact there is no afternoon Premier League football on Boxing Day will no doubt have played a part, although we would expect some growth as the fixture is now in its third year and hopefully more and more people are making it part of their Christmas plans."

Welsh National card almost sold out

Chepstow is looking to cap off a good year with tickets almost sold out for its Welsh Grand National fixture on December 27. The track has boosted its attendance in 2025, helped by the launch of the new Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival, and its drive to create better value for money has been rewarded.

Tickets for Wales's biggest raceday are available from £32, with discounts if bought for a group of ten or more.

Racecourse manager Luke Admans said: "We're ahead of where we were last year, which is great. We're about 95 per cent sold out, all the boxes have gone and there's not many spaces left in the restaurant. It's great and continues a bumper year for Chepstow.

"We've had a real drive towards value for money this year. We want it to be competitive – not just with other racecourses, but with other leisure activities. 

"The Welsh Grand National is our flagship day. It should be another fantastic day and fingers crossed for some decent weather and no fog this year."

Read these next:

'Kempton is made for him' - Ben Pauling bullish about The Jukebox Man's bid for King George glory 

'It's nice to get the call' - Sean Bowen set to partner Banbridge in King George VI Chase defence on first ride for Joseph O'Brien 

'It looks the ideal race for them' - Fact To File on course for Kempton and challenging Gaelic Warrior at head of King George betting 

Now in its 15th year, the Racing Post Annual is firmly established as the perfect Christmas gift for any horseracing fan. With a glittering line-up of the year's best horses and races, this 208-page book is a must for every horseracing fan. Order your copy here or call 01933 304776.