A compelling day of National Hunt and All-weather racing unfolds on Wednesday, January 18th, 2026, with significant action at Newbury, Lingfield, and Happy Valley, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. From seasoned chasers battling for supremacy to promising novices taking their first steps, and the vibrant atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Happy Valley, racing fans are in for a treat. Here’s a detailed look at the key races and contenders.
Newbury: A Showcase of national Hunt Talent
3:15 Newbury – Alder Demain & Akers Mares’ Chase: Panic Attack Aims to Reaffirm Dominance
The feature race at Newbury, the Listed alder Demain & Akers Mares’ Chase, is headlined by Panic Attack, a formidable mare trained by Dan Skelton. Her impressive victory in the Coral Gold Cup in November firmly established her as a force to be reckoned with [[1]]. With Harry Skelton in the saddle, she’ll be looking to continue her winning streak against fellow mares. This race is a crucial stepping stone for mares aiming for higher-level contests later in the season.
Though, she won’t have it all her own way. Molto Bene presents a strong challenge, having demonstrated consistent form with wins in her first two starts over fences. While she was chasing home Lavida Adiva in a hurdles race last time out, her fencing ability suggests she can bridge the gap.
Ilovethenightlife, trained by Joe Tizzard, is another to watch. A strong second at Kempton on her return, she’s shown she has the ability, but recent runs haven’t quite matched that initial promise. A return to form could see her in contention for a place.
12:35 Newbury – Boyle Sports Home Of Early Payout Novices’ Hurdle: A Test for Rising Stars
The opening race of the day, the Boyle Sports Home Of Early Payout Novices’ Hurdle, showcases the next generation of hurdlers. Sober Glory, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, will be hoping to rediscover the form that saw him win all three of his bumpers last season and his hurdles debut at Chepstow. A disappointing fourth at Sandown raises questions, but a return to a lesser heat could be just what he needs to regain confidence.
Mescalero,trained by harry Eustace,is yet to break his maiden but has shown encouraging signs in his three starts. The application of a tongue-tie suggests the trainer is hoping to unlock further potential. It’s Top, a winner in both point-to-point and bumper races, makes his hurdles debut after undergoing wind surgery, a common procedure aimed at improving a horse’s breathing during strenuous exercise.
Don’t discount Dutch Corner, trained by Dan Skelton, who finished a respectable third on his jumping debut at Lingfield. He could be an each-way contender in this competitive field.
further Newbury Highlights
The afternoon continues with several other intriguing races. Fire Warning (€340,000 / £294,000 purchase) faces a test against the experienced flat horse Square d’Alboni at 1:05. At 1:35, the French recruit Feel Gut makes his debut for Nicky Henderson, a trainer renowned for his handling of jumpers. The 2:40 sees a competitive 17-runner handicap hurdle with C’Est Different heading the market, and Buckna bids for a hat-trick in the 2:05.
Lingfield: All-Weather Action and Emerging Talent
2:30 Lingfield – Make The Move To Midnite Handicap: Gogo Yubari’s Winning Run
All eyes will be on Gogo Yubari in the Make The Move To Midnite handicap at Lingfield. Tony Carroll’s charge is in scintillating form, having secured three wins this month, including two at Lingfield and a dominant performance at Chelmsford [[3]]. Despite a five-pound rise in the weights, his current form suggests he’s capable of overcoming the challenge.
Stablemate Hint Of Humour, who finished behind Gogo Yubari in their last encounter, represents a significant threat. Running off the same mark,she’ll be looking to reverse the form. Woodhay Whisper, who ran a strong race to finish third behind Combustion at Lingfield last week, is also expected to be in the mix.
Lingfield’s supporting Card
The 12:55 at Lingfield introduces Chamas, a newcomer who catches the eye as a potential contender.
happy Valley: Hong kong’s Night Racing Spectacle
Across the globe, Happy Valley in Hong Kong hosts its regular evening meeting, promising a thrilling spectacle. The meeting is headlined by the presence of leading jockeys Dylan Browne McMonagle and Zac Purton, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the outcome of the races.
Looking Ahead
Wednesday’s racing offers a diverse range of contests, from the demanding National Hunt challenges at Newbury to the fast-paced All-Weather action at Lingfield and the unique atmosphere of Happy Valley. The performances of horses like Panic Attack and Gogo Yubari will be notably noteworthy,potentially setting the stage for bigger challenges to come. Keep an eye on the emerging talents in the novices’ hurdles at Newbury, as they represent the future of National Hunt racing.
