As the final days of the year approach, Southwell Racecourse will host a meeting that carries more than prize money on Sunday, 28 December 2025 — offering opportunity, belief and a chance for renewal across eight competitive races.
The afternoon will begin at 1:00pm with Race 1, THE NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (GBB RACE), run over 1m 14y for a total prize fund of £7,300.00. As the opening contest, it will set the tone for the day, featuring lightly raced runners still shaping their reputations and connections eager to uncover potential that may carry forward into the new year.
At 1:35pm, Race 2, THE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5), will be contested over 7f 15y with £7,100.00 on offer. This race will place a premium on positioning and timing, where a well-judged ride could prove decisive on Southwell’s demanding surface.
The quality will rise at 2:10pm with Race 3, THE NURSERY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) (GBBPLUS RACE), staged over 1m 14y for a total prize money of £9,500.00. As one of the stronger races on the card, it is expected to showcase developing talent, with several runners likely to be targeting progress through the winter months.
Attention will return to novice performers at 2:45pm for Race 4, THE NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (GBB RACE), over 7f 15y and worth £7,300.00. By this stage of the afternoon, conditions will be fully revealed, and those capable of adapting quickly may gain a crucial edge.
Speed and intensity will dominate Race 5 at 3:20pm, THE MIDNITE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5), run over 6f 17y for £7,100.00. With little margin for error, this contest is expected to reward sharp breaks, bold tactics and horses able to sustain pressure to the line.
Stamina will then come under scrutiny at 3:50pm in Race 6, THE MIDNITE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) (GBBPLUS RACE), the longest race of the day at 2m 103y, carrying £9,500.00 in prize money. Endurance, patience and rhythm will be central as runners are asked to dig deep in the closing stages.
A contrasting test will follow at 4:20pm with Race 7, THE MIDNITE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4), over a sharp 4f 215y, also worth £9,500.00. Short and unforgiving, it will demand immediate pace and precise execution from the moment the gates open.
The card will conclude at 4:50pm with Race 8, THE MIDNITE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6), contested over 1m 3f 24y for a total prize fund of £6,000.00. Often carrying its own quiet drama, the finale will offer one last opportunity for horses and connections to leave Southwell with renewed confidence as the year draws to a close.
Together, the eight-race programme promises a winter afternoon defined by resilience, measured ambition and the enduring pull of competition, as Southwell provides a fitting stage for racing’s final stretch of 2025.
The full Southwell race cards 28 December showcase eight races packed with promise, from novice contests to competitive handicaps. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.