The new year marks a crucial turning point in the National Hunt season, while also signalling the start of major international storylines on dirt and turf.
In the UK and Ireland, Cheltenham Festival and early Grand National contenders begin to separate themselves from the pack, while in the United States and the Middle East early-season Grade 1 races shape the road to Dubai World Cup night.
For punters, January is not about volume — it is about information, interpretation and early value.
This guide offers a complete overview of the month, covering major races, top betting sites, key odds trends and horses to watch throughout January 2026. Let's dive into it!
JUMP TO:
- Best Horse Racing Betting Sites for January 2026
- Betting Odds and Promotions - January 2026
- Top Races in January 2026 (UK & International)
- Horses to Watch This Month
- January Horse Racing in Summary
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites — January 2026
For horse racing, we’ve picked out a few key reasons behind the strength of some of the leading bookmakers - Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and Ladbrokes. With British jump racing and major overseas fixtures running in parallel, flexibility is key.
Bet365
- Covers all major international race meetings
- Extensive UK jumps coverage alongside US and Middle Eastern racing
- Strong in-play markets and reliable live streaming
Paddy Power
- Regular odds boosts
- Excellent refund-style promos such as “Money Back if 2nd”
- Known for competitive prices on high-profile trials
Betfair (Exchange)
- Odds closely aligned with true market value
- Ideal for reacting to trial performances and trading Festival prices
- High liquidity suitable for large-stake players
Betting Odds & Promotions for January 2026
January is when two major markets begin to take shape:
- Cheltenham Festival ante-post betting
- Dubai World Cup night futures
In National Hunt races especially, how a horse performs matters more than where it finishes. A strong run in defeat can be just as significant for Festival markets as a win.
Let’s look at a breakdown of the best free bets available in January 2026 and some of the best race meets to utilise the betting value on offer.
| Bookmaker | Welcome Bonus | Get Offer |
 | Paddy Power: Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople Paddy Power Review | ||
 | Sky Bet: Get £40 in Free Bets When You Place Any Bet | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople Sky Bet Review | ||
 | Bet365: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople Bet365 Review | ||
 | Betfair: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople Betfair Review | ||
 | Ladbrokes: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople Ladbrokes Review | ||
 | Spreadex: Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople Spreadex Review | ||
 | Virgin Bet: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople Virgin Bet Review | ||
 | 10bet: Get 100% welcome bonus up to £50 | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople 10bet Review | ||
 | BetVictor: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople BetVictor Review | ||
 | AK Bets: Get a £100 Welcome Boost | Claim Offer |
| AllSportsPeople AK Bets Review | ||
EXPLAINED: What is a NAP in horse racing | Win vs. Each Way Betting
Top Races in January 2026
Below is a full overview of the major flat and jump races taking place worldwide in January 2026.
Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase (Grade 3) — January 10, 2026 (Fairyhouse, Ireland)
One of the most competitive handicaps of the winter. The Dan & Joan Memorial regularly features horses with ambitions towards the Ryanair Chase or the Festival Plate, and strong performances here often prove a reliable guide to March.
Jebel Hatta (Group 1) — January 23, 2026 (Meydan, UAE)
A cornerstone of Dubai's turf programme. The Jebel Hatta often reveals which horses are thriving at Meydan and which are simply passing through, making it a critical form race ahead of World Cup night.
Al Maktoum Challenge (Group 1) — January 23, 2026 (Meydan, UAE)
A major stepping stone on the dirt. Run primarily between locally trained horses, the Al Maktoum Challenge provides the clearest indication of the domestic pecking order ahead of the Dubai World Cup itself.
Cheltenham Trials Day (Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle) - January 24, 2026 (Cheltenham, UK)
Cheltenham Trials Day brings together several of the most informative races of the winter in a single afternoon.
The centrepiece is the Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2), the definitive staying hurdle trial. Winners — and even strong placed horses — often shorten significantly for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival.
Also on the card is the Timeform Novices' Handicap steeple Chase (Class 2), a vital reference point for the novice chasing division.
Run under handicap conditions, it places a premium on jumping fluency, rhythm and composure around Cheltenham — qualities that translate directly to Festival success.
Pegasus World Cup (Grade 1 Dirt) — January 24, 2026 (Gulfstream Park, USA)
America’s richest early-season dirt race brings together the leading performers from the previous campaign. The Pegasus serves as an early barometer for the global dirt hierarchy and remains a key reference point for Dubai World Cup markets.
Pegasus World Cup Turf (Grade 1) — January 24, 2026 (Gulfstream Park, USA)
The turf counterpart attracts internationally minded connections and places a premium on tactical speed and adaptability. Performances here are closely scrutinised ahead of the Dubai Turf and Dubai Sheema Classic.
MORE: How to bet on UK horse racing - a complete beginners’ guide
Horses to Watch This Month
British Jump Racing
- Emerging novice chasers stepping up on Trials Day often become Festival players overnight.
- Established stayers showing form in the Cleeve Hurdle typically hold their position near the top of the Stayers’ Hurdle market.
International Scene
- Horses delivering strong performances in the Pegasus races or at Meydan often force significant market reassessments for Dubai World Cup night.
Quick Guide to Betting on Horse Racing in January
- Prioritise performance over finishing position in trials
- Handicaps often reward each-way strategies
- January is prime territory for selective ante-post betting