Southwell Racecourse will usher in the New Year with a competitive all-weather fixture on January 1, as the Nottinghamshire venue stages a well-supported card carrying total prize money of £215,000. The afternoon’s focal point is the 2.30pm six-furlong handicap, a race that has drawn a deep field of established performers and upwardly mobile sprinters, setting the tone for winter racing at the track.
Southwell Races January 1 2026
The six-furlong contest has the look of a meaningful early-season test, with several runners expected to use the race as a stepping stone toward higher-grade winter targets. Thirteen horses are set to line up, combining proven all-weather specialists with younger contenders still on the rise.
At the top of the weights is Ten Pounds, rated 104 as he makes his first start for new connections. Formerly trained in Newmarket, the Wokingham Handicap third brings a notable profile to Southwell, having remained unbeaten in three all-weather appearances. His most recent success came in a conditions race at Kempton Park in October, confirming both speed and adaptability on artificial surfaces.
Also prominent are Wiltshire and Willem Twee, both of whom have recorded their most significant victories on the all-weather. Wiltshire has flourished since switching surfaces, while Willem Twee’s Listed triumph in the Golden Rose Stakes at Lingfield Park in 2023 remains a standout performance that commands respect in this company.
Lower down the handicap, a number of four-year-olds arrive with solid momentum. Coul Angel has been in productive form for Mick Appleby and was only narrowly denied a third consecutive win when last seen at Kempton Park. That race has already worked out well, with several reopposing rivals emerging from the same contest.
Lakers adds further interest after showing marked improvement when returned to six furlongs. He was a decisive winner over course and distance in October, his first run at the trip since breaking his maiden at Ffos Las in mid-2024. Subsequent attempts over longer distances included a Newmarket handicap success earlier in the season, but recent evidence suggests sprinting on the all-weather may now be his optimal path.
Connections have spoken positively about his recent preparation, while acknowledging that this assignment represents a step up in class. A strong showing here would put him firmly on track for later winter objectives.
Caburn, a former leading juvenile sprinter, is another notable name. Now trained by James Tate, he has not been seen since winning at Great Yarmouth in September, his first start following a gelding operation. His return to action is one of several subplots adding intrigue to the race.
Pocklington resumes his winter campaign after a consistent summer in valuable handicaps and a solid second on seasonal reappearance at Newcastle. Elsewhere, Eminency drops back in trip following a recent Chelmsford success, while Rochelle makes her first start for a new stable after arriving from France.
With depth across the weights and multiple form lines converging, the six-furlong handicap stands out as a fitting centrepiece to Southwell’s New Year programme — a race rich in potential and early-season significance.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz.