Horse racing fans braced themselves for a dramatic Saturday across the UK, Ireland, and the United States on January 3, 2026, as the winter weather and a packed international schedule set the stage for a day of surprises, standout performances, and a few disappointments. From the high-stakes Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase at Sandown to Kentucky Derby trials in the US and local tips from Gawler, the racing world had no shortage of excitement—though the elements played their part in shaping the day’s narrative.
In the UK, all eyes were on Sandown Park, where the grounds team pulled off a minor miracle by getting the track ready despite freezing temperatures. Racing had hung in the balance after temperatures hovered around zero degrees since midnight, but the course passed its crucial morning inspection. As Stuart Riley reported from the scene, "Fair play to Sandown for getting this on, there wasn't a playing field en-route in use this morning. No local football or rugby games have survived, but the racing has. The grounds' team have done an amazing job lifting all the covers, the last of which are just coming up as they cover the finish line."
The feature event at Sandown, the Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase at 15:05, promised to be a thriller. The £100,000 contest drew a competitive field, with Tom Lacey’s Nocte Volatus emerging as the clear market leader after a significant move in the betting—dropping from 11-2 overnight to 7-2 favorite. Le Milos, carrying top weight for the Skeltons, also attracted attention as he attempted to bag the prestigious prize. ITV Racing was on hand to broadcast four races from Sandown, ensuring fans didn’t miss a moment of the action.
Unfortunately, not every UK meeting survived the cold snap. Wincanton faced a series of inspections after frost caught small areas of worn ground. Despite hopes that sunlight and rising temperatures might improve conditions, the track failed its third and final inspection, leading to the abandonment of Saturday’s card. Newcastle’s all-weather meeting had already been lost to the weather, though Lingfield and Southwell pressed on, offering some respite for punters seeking action away from the jumps.
Meanwhile, across the Irish Sea, Cork passed its inspection, and racing began as scheduled at 12:35. Willie Mullins and Paul Townend teamed up with The Reverend, a fascinating hurdling debutant in the opening 2m1f maiden hurdle. The Reverend had ended last season with a victory in the Old Borough Cup on the flat, taking his rating to 102 and fueling speculation about his potential over hurdles. Later in the card, Fillyoureye, another Mullins contender, looked to make a mark in the 3m novice hurdle, possibly emerging as an Albert Bartlett type for the Cheltenham Festival.
For those looking to sharpen their betting edge, the NAPs Table published by Paddy Power News became a focal point. The table provided a one-stop shop for the best bets from the cream of the British and Irish horse racing press, ranking tipsters by their profit or loss to Level Stakes. As punters scrolled through the day’s selections, QuandaryMoorestyle’s pick at Southwell, Nocte Volatus at Sandown, and So Sassy at Lingfield stood out among the tipsters’ top choices. The table also reflected the shifting landscape, with some tipsters riding high and others struggling to find form.
In Australia, John Kelton’s Gawler tips provided local flavor and insight for punters Down Under. His best bet for Race 9 was Chur Nibble, noting, “Wanted to race keenly last time and the quick back-up will suit. Maps to get a good run.” For Race 6, There Goes My Hero was the next best, with Kelton observing the horse’s readiness for the 1500 meters and affinity for the track. Chillcuz, in Race 7, offered the best value, with a soft run on the speed and a helpful claim for jockey Warren. Kelton’s analysis, focused on recent form, race distances, and jockey claims, gave followers plenty to chew on as the Gawler card unfolded.
Across the Atlantic, US horse racing expert Paul Quigley delivered his eagerly anticipated tips for Saturday’s evening action. The US schedule featured four key races: Aqueduct Race 3 at 18:10, Gulfstream Park Race 6 at 19:48, Gulfstream Park Race 10 at 21:48, and Oaklawn Park Race 10 at 22:25. These races were more than just a weekend distraction—they were early Kentucky Derby trials, with crucial qualifying points up for grabs for newly turned three-year-olds.
At Aqueduct, Enforced Agenda was Quigley’s selection, having beaten a quality field of maidens on debut. Balboa, a clear-cut winner at Laurel and recently placed in a Grade 2, was also in the mix. My World and Mailata added further intrigue, though Mailata’s quick turnaround from a Tuesday win made his participation uncertain.
Gulfstream Park’s sixth race saw Sister Troienne, unbeaten in three starts, as the likely favorite. She had shown versatility on both Tapeta and turf, with a sharp turn of foot and no reliance on race pace. Spirit Doll, fresh off a six-length stakes win on turf, and Tideoftime, a well-bred filly with strong Aqueduct form, were poised to challenge. Quigley noted, “She was beaten only a neck for second. If she improves a little, she may upstage Sister Troienne and Spirit Doll.”
Commandment and Epic Summer led the market in Gulfstream Park’s tenth race, both coming off maiden victories. Epic Summer impressed on debut, while Commandment had confirmed his promise with a five-length graduation at Churchill. Cabourg, Thunder Chuck, and Tripp’s Promise were also mentioned as potential threats if the favorites faltered.
At Oaklawn Park, Strategic Risk and Universe were the standout names. Universe had been placed in three graded stakes since his debut win, while Strategic Risk, who “blew away a field of Florida breds last month,” was seen as a live contender. Boca Beach Club, Silent Tactic, and Rancho Santa Fe added depth to the field, with Quigley noting the upside of the Mark Casse-trained duo and the unknown factor of Silent Tactic’s switch to dirt.
As the day progressed, the racing world kept a close eye on developing stories, from the shifting odds at Sandown to the latest inspection updates and the performances of rising stars in the US and Australia. With the Cheltenham Festival on the horizon and the Kentucky Derby trail heating up, every race carried implications that stretched well beyond a single Saturday.
While the weather played spoiler at Wincanton and Newcastle, the resilience of racing’s participants—horses, trainers, grounds staff, and fans—shone through. For those who braved the cold at Sandown or tuned in from afar, the day was a reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal and the never-ending search for the next big winner.