NO problems are anticipated at either Tramore and Fairyhouse ahead of their New Year’s Day fixtures.

Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe said on Thursday night: “The ground is soft to heavy and up to 25mm of rain is expected along with some frost but we should be fine.”

Sue Phelan, manager at Tramore, is also optimistic ahead of their January 1st card which offers €100,000 in prize money. The feature race is the Listed Savills Auctioneers Chase and the entries include last year’s winner Champagne West, Empire Of Dirt and Ballycasey.

Gates open from 10.30am and there is live music before and after racing.

Builders will commence work next week on a new entrance building and offices at Tramore. The €300,000 project is partly funded by the HRI Capital Development scheme.

Cheltenham also race on New Year’s Day when Willoughby Court (Ben Pauling) and Yanworth (Alan King) are set to reoppose in the £35,000 Grade 2 BetBright Dipper Novices’ Chase over two miles and five furlongs.

The duo met in a Grade 2 novices’ chase at Newbury on December 1st, when Willoughby Court maintained his perfect start over fences with a three-length verdict over Yanworth.

The race has also attracted Ballyandy (Nigel Twiston-Davies), successful on his only chase start to date at Perth in September, and Ami Desbois (Graeme McPherson), who is unbeaten in two appearances this season.

Waiting Patiently (Malcolm Jefferson), who is yet to taste defeat in four starts over fences, heads 15 entries for the day’s richest race, the £75,000 Grade 3 BetBright Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs. Progressive mare Colin’s Sister (Fergal O’Brien) features among 12 entries for the £50,000 Grade 2 Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle over an extended two and a half miles.