World Pool betting is not the answer to all of racing’s prayers but it is certainly plugging some gaps at a difficult time

Having gone into the busy holiday schedule amid talk of plummeting betting turnover and a black hole on the sport’s balance sheet, there is at least a smattering of reasons to be cheerful as racing sets off into 2025.

The domestic Christmas programme delivered on every level, with Constitution Hill, Sir Gino and The New Lion in particular hinting at a long-awaited revival in UK jumping’s competitiveness at the spring festivals. Galopin Des Champs, meanwhile, set up an attempt to become the first three-time Gold Cup winner for 20 years with an emphatic success at Leopardstown’s four-day meeting, where Brighterdaysahead also looked like an exciting new talent over hurdles.