Plenty of festive treats to enjoy before Al Boum Photo returns at Tramore

This week we say goodbye, and to some extent good riddance, to 2020 but there is still plenty going on before, and after, we have belted out Auld Lang Syne.

Monday

The race of the festive period takes place at Leopardstown with a scintillating running of the Grade 1 Savills Chase (2.25).

The prospect of Samcro, Presenting Percy, Allaho, A Plus Tard, Delta Work, Minella Indo and Kemboy clashing is tantalising and is not to be missed.

It is complemented by the Grade 1 Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle (1.15) and is the sort of day racing fans will be longing to be able to attend in person next year.

Tuesday

Grade 1s on either side of the Irish Sea with the MansionBet Challow Novices’ Hurdle (3.15) at Newbury, along with the Matheson Hurdle (2.25) and Neville Hotels Novice Chase (1.50) at Leopardstown. Bravemansgame, Monkfish and Saint Roi are just some of the star names set to feature.

Wednesday

Taunton takes centre stage as we near the end of the year with the Listed Byerley Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (2.45), won by the likes of Maria’s Benefit and Marie’s Rock in recent years, the highlight on the card.

Minella Indo and Rachael Blackmore clearing the last fence at NavanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

At Haydock, The Last Fling Handicap Chase (2.00) could feature some familiar names, including the evergreen 13-year-old Perfect Candidate.

Thursday

While you may be making plans for a rather more subdued New Year’s Eve than normal, there are five meetings to pore over. The pick of them is at Punchestown, albeit overall it is a day to allow ourselves a chance to draw breath and reflect after a busy period of action.

Friday

Happy new year! Alas, it will not start the way many people want with no crowds at Cheltenham’s traditional curtain raiser to the year but there is plenty of action to enjoy.

The Paddy Power Dipper Novices’ Chase (1.20) and Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (3.05) are the standout contests on a card packed, as ever, with quality.

McFabulous: to be aimed at the Relkeel HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Away from Cheltenham, there is the likely reappearance of none other than dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo at Tramore in the Grade 3 chase he has won for the last two years.

Saturday

The first Saturday of the new year and the first Grade 1 as well with the Unibet Tolworth Hurdle taking place at Sandown.

The likes of Summerville Boy, Noland and Yorkhill have captured the contest in recent years, so there will be pointers for the Cheltenham Festival on offer as well as glory for those who take the prize.

Sunday

Having been treated to top-class action over the festive period, the week ends on a quieter note with four fixtures at Plumpton, Southwell, Catterick and Fairyhouse.

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