New Year's Day saw exhilarating horse racing events across notable tracks including Cheltenham, Exeter, and Tramore, showcasing both thrilling competition and significant weather challenges. The festivities commenced after all three racecourses passed their morning inspections, allowing fans to enjoy the races without delay.
At Cheltenham, excitement peaked for the day's prime feature, the Relkeel Hurdle, scheduled for 3:15 PM, where Golden Ace emerged as the new favorite, supported heavily by punters to maintain her flawless Cheltenham record. Joint-trainer Gary Moore initially expressed skepticism about the odds shift but acknowledged the build-up of momentum behind Jeremy Scott's mare. Golden Ace is currently at 5-2 odds, closely followed by Salver at 11-4.
Jeremy Scott, who trained Golden Ace, commented, "I think this is the right race. I wouldn't want the ground to go too soft when she's over this sort of trip. She's come on massively for Ascot." He emphasized the importance of this race for deciding future contests, with Golden Ace also positioned as a contender for the Mares' Hurdle.
The Cheltenham racing circuit did face challenges with weather. Clerk of the course Jon Pullin reported brisk winds peaking at 50mph and set the conditions for early monitoring, ensuring the safety of the racecourse facilities. Sufficient dry weather overnight meant they were able to declare the track fit for racing. Pullin shared, "We are pleased to say we have passed this morning's precautionary inspection and racing goes ahead. The forecast suggests wind speeds will reduce at 10 AM today, and we’ll continue to monitor the conditions."
At Exeter, things were less severe. Winds peaked at 35mph but conditions remained manageable, allowing the event to proceed with the going listed as soft and good to soft. Officials confirmed at their 7:30 AM inspection, assuring enthusiasts from around the region of delightful racing action.
Meanwhile, Tramore was also deemed safe for racing following significant rainfall. Clerk of the course Val O'Connell announced just before the scheduled 8 AM inspection, stating, "The track is fit for racing and the fixture scheduled for this afternoon goes ahead. We had slightly more rain than forecast, with 26 mm since yesterday morning, but thankfully we are fit for racing. The rain has passed, and we expect dry winds for the rest of the day."
The New Year's Day Chase, featuring top competitors including Minella Indo, brought additional buzz as the 2021 Gold Cup winner began his seasonal reappearance. Other strong contenders included Monty's Star and Appreciate It, leading to heightened expectations for this Grade 3 race.
This time of year always generates excitement among racing enthusiasts, especially with local trainers showcasing their horses. An Tailliur had become one of the significant market movers, shifting from 33-1 to 14-1 odds by the morning of the race. This strong support reflects the trust punters place not only on the horse but also on trainers AJ and Jonjo O'Neill.
One Big Bang maintains steady odds of 11-4, consistent throughout the morning, highlighting the anticipation around the race, which only adds to the festive spirit of the day. The thrill of the competition encompassed all three tracks, uniting horse racing fans under the shared excitement of the New Year.
To conclusion, the 2025 New Year's Day racing events at Cheltenham, Exeter, and Tramore not only highlighted the resilience of the racecourses against challenging weather but also showcased remarkable horse talent, drawing attention and excitement from spectators and punters alike. With invaluable insights from trainers and jockeys throughout the day, the success of the events reflected the community spirit and passion for horse racing to usher in the new year.