The winter months are a fantastic time to be a racing fan. With an abundance of top class meetings and equine stars lighting up the tracks from late November through December and into the new year, there’s something to enjoy every day. Over the years, racing has also embraced the Christmas spirit with horses sporting festive names, inspired by seasonal words, traditions, gifts, and the warmth of the holiday season. Here are some of the most memorable Christmas themed names to have graced the sport over the years.
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Christmas Day
It feels only right to begin with a name that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Named after many people’s favourite day of the year, this title is a direct nod to the festive period, and several horses have carried it in recent years. The standout among them is Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore’s well-bred son of Camelot, who remains in training. He displayed real determination when justifying favouritism in a Gowran Park maiden on heavy ground, before once again showing his grit to claim a Group 3 victory at Leopardstown, defeating several highly regarded stablemates in the process.
From Me To You
Carrying a name that captures the spirit of generosity and the joy of giving, From Me To You is an imposing, unraced son of Persian Force, who burst onto the scene with a commanding four-and-a-half-length victory in the Brocklesby Stakes before following up with a comfortable success in the Group 2 July Stakes. Now in training with Richard Hannon, who also trained his talented sire, he shapes as an exciting prospect for the 2026 flat season. Richard Hannon expects him to be ready early in the campaign, with potential targets including the Lockinge meeting or the Greenham at Newbury.
Santa Claus
Undoubtedly the greatest horse to carry a Christmas themed name, Santa Claus was trained by Mick Rogers and delivered plenty of gifts to his connections and supporters during a sensational 1964 season. He claimed victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas, the Derby, and the Irish Derby, before finishing a gallant runner-up in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. A truly exceptional racehorse, Santa Claus was as memorable for his festive name as for his brilliance on the track.
Holly
Another familiar symbol of Christmas, the tradition of decorating homes with holly has been enjoyed for many years. Several racehorses have carried the name of this classic Christmas evergreen, the most recent being the French bred mare trained by Jonjo and A. J. O’Neill, owned by legendary racing figure J. P. McManus. From eighteen races under rules, she has won five times and has plenty of respectable form.
Love You Millions
A name that perfectly captures the warmth and sentiment of the festive season, Love You Millions evokes the spirit of affection and togetherness that Christmas represents. She is a three year old filly in training with Paul Attwater and has shown plenty of promise on the track, in particular her impressive speed that will make her a big player over the minimum trip.
Vixen
Over the years, many racehorses have been named after Santa’s iconic reindeer, but one of the most notable in recent times is an American trained filly. Trained by Mark Casse, the daughter of Vekoma has enjoyed an impressive career, earning over £400,000 in prize money and consistently performing at Group level, showing a particular affinity for Gulfstream Park.
Christmas Gift
A few racehorses have taken inspiration from the act of giving gifts, one of the more recent being a filly trained by Andrew Balding at the historic Kingsclere Stables. True to her name, she could easily have been a Christmas present herself. In just three career starts, she has already made her mark with a comfortable two-and-a-quarter-length victory over a mile at Windsor.
