Entain launches The Festive Four horse racing programme for Christmas

Entain is launching a new programme called The Festive Four at a time when many betting companies are reducing their support for horse racing. Led by the owner of Ladbrokes Coral, the programme is a four-day event that will take place over the Christmas period at Kempton Park, Chepstow and Newbury racecourses. The Jockey Club, Arena Racing Company, Newbury Racecourse, Racecourse Media Group, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), ITV Racing and Great British Racing are also involved in preparing the programme.

The programme will also name its own leading jockey and leading trainer. Trophies will be awarded to the top performers over the course of the festival. To reach a wider audience, a ticket valid for each day from 26 December to 29 December will go on sale at 64 pounds.

Entain Director Simon Clare said that horse racing over the Christmas period is already one of the most important times of the season. In his view, spreading major races over four consecutive days gives fans a major racing event to watch every day and creates an opportunity to introduce the sport to a broader audience.

The report also notes that the industry is going through a difficult period. Last week, Betfred announced that it would reduce its sponsorship of the British Classics races from next year. According to a recent study, companies such as bet365, Betfred, Flutter Entertainment, Jennings Bet, Star Sports and BetGoodwin are also reducing their support for horse racing. Entain's move may be seen as a significant relief for industry leaders.