As the clocks tick through November, attention naturally turns toward the big man coming down the chimney. While Christmas Day still seems like a while away, December 25th will be upon us before we know it, and celebrations will be taking place all over the globe.
Many workplaces shut down over the festive period, allowing families to come together and celebrate as one. One place that doesn't however is the world of sports. Here are three must-watch events to go alongside your eggnog.
King George VI Chase
First on the list is the King George VI Chase, set to take place on Boxing Day at the Kempton Park. The showpiece race is a staple of the British horse racing calendar and is second only to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in terms of prestige. Over its storied history, the thrilling showdown has seen legendary horses like Kauto Star and Desert Orchid capture the imagination as they romped to glory at one of the most iconic racecourses on the planet.
In 2024, the competition promises to be as fierce as ever, with top trainers and jockeys vying for this coveted title. If you are thinking about placing a bet on horse racing with Paddy Power on the race, you'll see two French horses at the top of the billing as they look to assert their dominance. Il Est Francais is the current 10/3 favorite, with compatriot Fastorslow narrowly behind at 4/1.
British trainer Paul Nicholls has dominated the race over the years. A look at historic horse racing results shows that the 62-year-old has won the race a record 13 times, including leading Bravemansgame to glory in 2022. Can he add to his haul of victories in 2024?
Boxing Day, 2024. We'll see you there. 😍 pic.twitter.com/ZyRr1H2URf
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 15, 2024
Premier League
Premier League When it comes to football, the schedule shuts down in some countries, with the likes of Germany and Spain both taking a winter break. Football in Portugal continues, however, but the Primeira Liga's schedule pales in comparison to its Premier League counterpart. The English top flight is the most-watched league in the world by some distance, and much of that is down to the stellar array of clashes taking place over the festive period, particularly on Boxing Day.
This year, eight games will take place on December 26th. The highlight is without a doubt a West London derby between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge, however Liverpool vs Leicester City and Manchester City's hosting of M62 neighbors Everton will certainly whet the appetite.
NFL
While the UK is known for putting on showcases both on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, across the Atlantic, the NFL has its own brand of holiday cheer with a special lineup of Christmas Day games. For the first time this year, the December 25th games will be streamed exclusively on streaming giant Netflix, marking a new chapter in sports broadcasting. The reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in an afternoon clash at Arrowhead, followed by a matchup between two more AFC heavyweights in the form of the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans.
