A new week begins to bring about the new year, but there remains plenty of top class racing to decide in 2025. Both Newbury & Leopardstown host feature races on Monday, with two Grade 1s to be settled.
GG tipster Joe Napier has four best bets across those two cards, including in the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Newbury Racing Tips (Monday 29 December 2025)
Newbury’s last meeting of 2025 features the final Grade 1 in Britain this calendar year in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle, but it is in one of the earlier handicaps, named after sensational 1960s chaser Mandarin, where our tip on the card runs.
1.50 Newbury – King’s Threshold (1pt e/w – 9/2)
Two runs were required before King’s Threshold hit peak form last season and Emma Lavelle’s charge has now raced twice this campaign, arriving for the Mandarin Handicap Chase with an alluring profile. He has won at the track, scoring by five lengths over 2m7½f back in March and is only 4lb higher having failed to feature when out of the handicap for the bet365 Gold Cup, then taking his time to return to form this season. His fourth over 2m6½f at this venue last time out though was highly respectable as he saw out that trip well, and he may relish the further half-mile this contest provides him.
Leopardstown Racing Tips (Monday 29 December 2025)
Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting concludes on Monday, with the Grade 1 December Hurdle the feature contest. We have three selections on the card, including a selection against the favourite in the big race.
1.57 Leopardstown – Kish Bank (1pt e/w – )
He was below par when favourite for his chase debut on return, but Kish Bank may have needed the run and this first foray into handicaps promises to be a fruitful one for Gordon Elliott’s charge. He won his sole point-to-point by 30 lengths as well as his furthest race over hurdles over 2m4f at Wexford back in April, so stamina looks to be one of his trump cards, while he has run fine without quite competing for winning honours in his two chases so far. Based on his profile from last season though, he should keep coming forward with every run and an opening mark of 118 looks low given his potential.
2.32 Leopardstown – Brighterdaysahead (1pt e/w – 9/2)
Lossiemouth can take a big step towards competing in the Champion Hurdle as opposed to the Mares’ this season, but given how impressive she was in this race last term, Brighterdaysahead appeals more as a bet. Gordon Elliott’s mare impressed early on last season, winning fresh, then twice defeating State Man, firstly in the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle, and then in her rout in this race 12 months ago. State Man was undoubtedly below his best that day, but winning any top level race by 30 lengths takes some doing, as she maintained a furious gallop to remain miles clear of her opposition. That she disappointed for the remainder of the season is a slight concern, but Cheltenham would appear not to suit, whereas Leopardstown evidently does.
3.05 Leopardstown – Blue Mosque (1pt e/w – 15/2)
A runner-up four times since his last victory, there is nevertheless a chance that Blue Mosque has plenty more to offer, with some of his form from last season being franked, notably his second at Punchestown behind Kaid d’Authie in April. The fourth that day, who opposes here too, beat Cheltenham Festival-winning mare Air Of Entitlement last time out and the selection continues to receive weight from that rival. His rating of 127 can prove light for a horse racing for yard enjoying a better season and a decent spell of form, including a bumper winner here on Boxing Day.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Monday 29 December
1.50 Newbury – King’s Threshold (1pt e/w – 9/2)
1.57 Leopardstown – Kish Bank (1pt e/w – )
2.32 Leopardstown – Brighterdaysahead (1pt e/w – 9/2)
3.05 Leopardstown – Blue Mosque (1pt e/w – 15/2)
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Monday 29 December
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Leopardstown – first race 11:40
- Newbury – first race 12:45
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides GG’s Lucky 15 tips on Monday 29 December from Newbury & Leopardstown.
When were today’s Newbury & Leopardstown tips published?
Our Lucky 15 tips for Monday were published at 10.03am on Sunday 28 December.
Which racecourses run on Monday 29 December 2025?
Doncaster, Kelso, Leopardstown, Limerick, Newbury & Newcastle
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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