Sunday 27 December 2026
Kauto Star Chase Day
Buy Tickets Book HospitalityA DAY FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY
Day two of the Festival is Ladbrokes Kauto Star Chase Day. Named after the National Hunt legen who made Kempton Park his own, the day is packed full of quality racing including the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase, the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Steeple Chase and the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase.
The 27th December is perfect for those wanting to come Christmas racing without the worry of the big Boxing Day crowds.
Timings and races subject to change
| START TIME | RACE | DISTANCE |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45PM | THE 'GET YOUR LADBROKES FREE KEMPTON BET' JUVENILE HURDLE | 2m |
| 1:20PM | THE LADBROKES 'BIG FOOTBALL BET BUILDER BOOSTS' BBET HANDICAP HURDLE RACE | 3m |
| 1:55PM | THE LADBROKES KAUTO STAR NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (Grade 1) | 3m |
| 2:30PM | THE LADBROKES DESERT ORCHID HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (Grade 2) (LIMITED HANDICAP CHASE) | 2m |
| 3:07PM | THE LADBROKES BEST ODDS GUARANTEED IN RACING HANDICAP HURDLE RACE | 2m 5f |
| 3:37PM | THE LADBROKES "GET REWARDED WITH LADBUCKS" HANDICAP HURDLE RACE |
2m |
The Kauto Star Novices' Chase
First staged in 1975 as the Feltham Novices' Chase, the three-mile Grade 1 contest was permanently renamed in 2013 following the retirement of Kauto Star. Few horses have been more closely associated with Kempton Park than the legendary chaser, whose record five victories in the King George VI Chase between 2006 and 2011 cemented his place among the greatest National Hunt horses of all time.
The 2025 renewal added another memorable chapter to the race's history as Kitzbuhel, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, made virtually every yard to land an impressive victory.
Renowned as a launchpad for future champions, the Kauto Star Novices' Chase has consistently unearthed stars destined for the biggest prizes in jump racing. Will you be there to witness the next one in 2026?
The Desert Orchid Chase
Dessie, as he was affectionately known, was laid to rest at Kempton Park on the 27th December 2006 - the same day as the inaugural running of the race which was won by the Alan King trained Voy Por Ustedes.
Thistle Ask under Harry Skelton took the win in 2025.
Will you be here to witness the winner in 2026?
Great racing and a great day out
A fun day for all the family
PLAN YOUR DAY
Guide to Enclosures
Choose the perfect spot for you with our guide to the enclosures at the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're thinking about joining us or have just booked tickets, find out all you need to know about attending the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival here.
Raceday style
What to Wear?
At Kempton Park Racecourse we believe racing should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. And one thing is certainly true, the more relaxed and comfortable we feel, the more likely we are to have a great time. So that’s why we’ve created one very simple piece of guidance, to come “dressed to feel your best”.
Did you know?
Half price tickets for 18-24 year olds
Sign up to RacePass and save up to 50% off your admission ticket when aged 18-24.
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Under 18s go FREE
Under 18s race for free at the majority of Jockey Club racedays.