The extreme indulgence of Christmas often leaves people in a food and drink induced stupor and Boxing Day is spent nursing a hangover and watching television repeats on the sofa.

But you could leave the post-Christmas blues at home and get out and enjoy one of the best days in British horse racing.

Kempton Park’s William Hill winter festival offers two days of jump racing and will feature Sprinter Sacre, who is unbeaten in 10 races over fences.

The gelding will run in the Desert Orchid Chase and is likely to take on Sandown Park’s Tingle Creek winner Sire De Grugy.

The pair missed out running against each other at Sandown as Sprinter Sacre pulled out as he was not 100 per cent on form.

Kempton clerk of the course predicted that Sprinter Sacre’s appearance was likely to boost the crowd to at least 3,000 at the gate, promising a lively atmosphere.

Last year the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton Park saw an exhilarating battle to the finish line between Nicky Henderson trained Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run and the Philip Hobbs trained Arkle winner Captain Chris, where Long Run beat him to victory by a head on the line.

This years’ instalment promises to be no less exciting with the grade 1 Chase attracting some of the best staying chasers around in a bid to mark their place in this predominant race.

Racegoers can also enjoy entertainment from Irish folk band Naymedici who will perform on both days of the winter festival.

Children will also be entertained with a visit from Santa’s reindeer promised on Boxing Day.

William Hill winter festival at Kempton Park racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury; Thursday and Friday, December 26 and 27; Tickets including racecard and a drink £10 in advance; visit kempton.co.uk or call 0844 5793008.