One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race for New Year's Day

Trainer

Leading course trainer Mick Appleby could be set for another good day at Southwell with five runners on the Fibresand this afternoon.

Ayr Harbour (1.15) has sound claims in the 7f handicap after some good efforts this winter, most recently when second at Chelmsford.

Mick Appleby: five runners at Southwell on FridayCredit: Steve Davies

Nigel Nott (1.50) could bounce back in the 5f handicap off topweight, while course winner Loch Ness Monster (3.30)has each-way claims in the concluding 1m3f handicap.

Jockey

Conor O'Farrell has carved out a reputation as one of the leading riders in the north and takes up six rides for trainer Iain Jardine at Musselburgh.

Formerly based with David Pipe in Devon, O'Farrell linked up with his old boss for a popular success on Vieux Lion Rouge in the Becher Chase, and also recently won the Scottish Borders National on the Jardine-trained Dino Boy.

Among his strong book of rides, he partners the one-time high-class Voix Du Reve in the Betway Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (1.55) and leading contender Cool Mix in the Betway 'Auld Reekie' Handicap Chase (3.05).

Horse

Al Boum Photo will go down the tried and tested route as he prepares for his date with destiny at Cheltenham in March, with a comeback outing in the Savills New Year's Day Chase (2.37) at Tramore.

The Willie Mullins-trained superstar chaser has started his campaign with wins in this race for the last two seasons before going on to Gold Cup glory.

Al Boum Photo has won the Savills New Year's Day Chase in the last two seasonsCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

His task has been made easier by the absence of Monalee, who was ruled out after a setback, and as a result his main opposition comes from stablemates Acapella Bourgeois and Brahma Bull.

Race

Musselburgh gets the chance to ring in the new year with three races on ITV, including the fiercely competitive Betway 'Auld Reekie' Handicap Chase (3.05).

The field is split down the middle with runners from the north and south, and Cool Mix (Iain Jardine), Get Out The Gate (Sandy Thomson), Mint Gold and Voix D'Eau (both Lucinda Russell) will be aiming to keep the prize in Scotland.

Warwickshire trainer Dan Skelton looks to continue a memorable festive period with Romain De Senam, while Red Risk is one of four runners on the card making the long journey from Paul Nicholls' Somerset stable.

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