Behind-the-scenes at Nicky Henderson’s yard on Christmas Day

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Published In Features
Nicky Henderson, top National Hunt trainer
No wonder Nicky Henderson has a glint in his eye with the riches contained in his powerful string for the 2013/14 jumps campaign pic bill Selwyn
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

The Christmas period is one of the busiest times for the racing industry with Boxing Day being a highlight on the National Hunt calendar, so racing yards have to operate as usual on Christmas Day. We went behind the scenes at top trainer Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard to find out how they enjoy the festivities while working the horses.

“Christmas Day is very similar to a normal day for us, but there is a staff rota whereby half of the staff work Christmas Day and the other half work New Years Day,” says Nicky’s assistant trainer Billy Aprahamian. “Because Boxing Day is such a big day in racing the horses need to be exercised as usual.”

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.