£20.26 CHALLENGE

AUTHOR: Star Sports Content

Will It Happen? £20.26 New Year Charity Challenge

A New Year is upon us with endless possibilities in all sports and beyond for 2026. That means one thing – the return of our New Year Charity Tipping Challenge! In 2025, our group of experts managed to win £212.63 for the Injured Jockeys Fund and the greyhound rehoming charity
Home Our Hounds, and they’re back again!

Our pundits have £20.26 to stake on any one of our specials at current starsports.bet prices and show their reasoning – without further ado, read below to find out their selections!

Click below for our full list of New Year Specials, with options on a variety of sports and special events!

🎆 NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Andy Richmond (@Bickley14) Star Sports NFL Expert

Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby to train the winner of all five British Classics between them at 8/1.

Given O’Brien’s record in the British Classics, he could almost be considered for this bet on his own such has been his dominance in these events, with a total of 48 wins across the five Classics, and he’s sure to hold a strong hand again — particularly in the last three Classics: the Oaks, Derby and St Leger, where he is often multiply represented.

With Appleby included in the bet, we get a trainer who has been stronger in the first two Classics — the 1000 and 2000 Guineas. Appleby has won three of the last four editions of the 2000 Guineas and will look to have a strong hand again.

Therefore, it’s likely we will have multiple runners in all five GB Classics from these two trainers, who have won 55 British Classics between them.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby to train the winner of all five British Classics between them at 8/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Ash Symonds (@ASymondsJourno) Racing TV

This selection seems like the best one at the prices to me. Aidan O’Brien has to be long, long odds-on to train a winner at Royal Ascot, Joseph O’Brien likes to target a handful of horses to winnable races throughout the Royal Meeting, and Donnacha O’Brien’s success over the recent years has been very notable.

Donnacha’s leg of the treble looks the potentially vulnerable one, but he has had a good number of juveniles over the last few seasons, so I’m hopeful.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Aidan, Donnacha & Joseph O’Brien all to train a winner at Royal Ascot at 10/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Alex Crook (@alex_crook) talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent

This might be more in hope than expectation as a long-suffering Manchester United fan, but surely 2026 will be the year they finally win five games in a row.

We know there is a viral supporter who has vowed not to cut his hair until they get to that magic number, and his locks are getting longer by the day.

Ruben Amorim’s men only managed nine wins in the past nine months, so it is an ambitious aim, but there are some signs of progress, and I’m expecting a big summer transfer window.

Qualifying for one of the secondary European competitors would also help.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Manchester United to win 5 competitive games in a row at 9/2 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Basher Watts (@BasherWatts) Racing Syndicate Owner & Content Creator

A record holder who is flying with confidence and arguably the most improving jockey there is — but I love Bow Echo in the 2000 Guineas and he’s likely to have some huge rides in the other Classics too. Seems like value to me.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Billy Loughnane to ride an English Classic winner at 8/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Ben Keith (@BenStarSports) Owner, Star Sports

I think Claudia Winkleman or Tess Daly (absolutely gawwjusss) to appear on Strictly at 25/1 is a fair price for such a twist. I would offer to be Tess’s dance-partner but she’d only go and fall in love with me and I wouldn’t want to break her heart!

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Claudia Winkleman or Tess Daly to appear on Strictly Come Dancing at 25/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Bill Esdaile (@BillEsdaile) City AM Racing Editor

On face value, this doesn’t look obvious value. However, Mullins doesn’t have his usual vice-like grip on ante-post betting for the likes of the Supreme, Arkle and Champion Hurdle. The Tuesday may be the day to take him on and 3/1 may just be some value.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Willie Mullins NOT to train a winner on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival at 3/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Chris Fawcett (@chrisgambler247) co-founder of Sharpbetting.co.uk

At 10/3, theese odds still reflect old history rather than the current scoring environment. A 70 point NBA game was once extremely rare, with only a handful across decades and often many years apart.

The modern NBA is faster, more three-point heavy and built around stars playing more minutes. It happened twice in 2023 and twice again in 2024. Two of the last three years suggests a real shift, which makes 10/3 a good bet.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Any player to score 70+ points in the NBA regular season or playoffs at 10/3 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Dave Jolly (@djol123) Head of Trading, Star Sports

I’m going for Haaland and Mbappé both to score World Cup hat-tricks at 10/1. With the new format resulting in more teams going through from the group stage and a subsequent extra round, I feel — despite being in the same group — these two will both have good opportunities to build on their incredible goalscoring rates for their countries.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Erling Haaland & Kylian Mbappé both to score World Cup hat-tricks at 10/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ David Massey (@tracksidemedia0) Sporting Life columnist and one half of Trackside (with @vickigibbins)

It’s not a secret that Andy Burnham wants a final crack at the Labour Leadership, and 2026 might be the year he gets a go at it.

The local elections in the summer look sure to give Labour a bloody nose and, as the pressure ramps up on Starmer, expect to see both Burnham and Rayner hovering like vultures, waiting to pick off the carcass. It would hardly be the biggest shock to see someone in a safe Labour seat step aside for the Manchester Mayor to get him back to the benches, and then the fun really begins.

A full general election wouldn’t be the biggest shock….

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Andy Burnham to become an MP at 11/4 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ David Stewart (@david_stewart) Head of Content, Star Sports

There might be just one Grand Slam Final left for Novak Djokovic despite the unstoppable combined forces of Sinner and Alcaraz. Djokovic reached the semi-finals of ALL four Slams in 2025 and 5/4 to go one better in 2026 represents a small amount of value for a player that brings unsurpassed experience to the table. With a record 24 Men’s Grand Slam titles there’s not much left for Djokovic to prove except he still might want to go past the 24 mark he shares with Margaret Court – just to cement his GOAT status.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Novak Djokovic to reach a Grand Slam Final at 5/4 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Davy Russell (@Davy_Russell) Ex-Jockey and Broadcaster

Looking at the specials, there is one stand out for me and that is Willie to draw a blank on the first day. Listen, nobody trains more winners at Cheltenham than him, but it is very competitive racing, and he doesn’t appear to have a stand-out winner on the opening day at the moment.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Willie Mullins NOT to train a winner on day one of the Cheltenham Festival at 3/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Emily Wallis (@emilywallis) Star Sports Marketing Executive

From memory, this hasn’t happened in a little while as it’s a gruelling six rounds of top-class competition. However, greyhounds have been threatening it recently and, at the moment, the 2026 renewal looks very open.

I have a certain dog in mind who could do it… Proper Heiress. He’ll be back to have another crack in 2026, and he’s a born winner.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Any dog to go unbeaten in the English Greyhound Derby at 8/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ George Boughey (@gbougheyracing) Group 1 winning trainer and Star Sports Ambassador

I’ve gone for the 8/1 special on Billy Loughnane riding an English Classic winner in 2026. It’s a bet that makes plenty of sense to me.

Billy is our stable jockey and someone I work with closely every day. He’s the only British jockey to have ridden 200 winners this year and the fastest ever to reach 500 UK career winners, which tells you a lot about his ability and work rate at such a young age.

All being well, Billy will ride our unbeaten Group 2 winner Bow Echo in the 2000 Guineas in May. He’s a very exciting colt and one we hold in high regard. Beyond that, Billy also rides plenty of Godolphin’s horses, so he’s well placed to pick up other rides across the Classic races in 2026.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Billy Loughnane to ride an English Classic winner at 8/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Harry Skelton (@harryskelton89) Top Jockey and Star Sports Ambassador

After the year he’s had, I’m going to go with Rory McIlroy to win two or more majors in 2026. He’s still clearly at the top of his game and has all the experience in the world. On the big days, as he showed when winning the Masters, that really counts. I think it’s very possible he could have another brilliant year at the majors.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Rory McIlroy to win 2+ Majors at 10/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Hugh Cahill (@hughcahill7) Broadcaster and Journalist

John Rahm ruined his reputation when he joined LIV, but his talent and ability to win golf tournaments remain among the best in the world. He has the stubbornness of ten mules, and he would love nothing more than to rub the golf world’s nose in it with another major title. He’s a freak off the tee and has one of the best short games in the world. He will win another major. Probably in 2026. Get on.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ A LIV Player to win a Major in 2026 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Joe Chambers (@ScobieCjnr) Racing Manager, Rich and Susanna Ricci

2026 could well be the year of the lady, and that is only from those we know about today. Ballydoyle Tina and Magical on Fire have looked very fast and if they travel will give anyone a race. Mark Wallis has got his hands on Strike It Skye and he knows to win the big one. She has got her UK career off to a great start.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ A bitch to win the English Greyhound Derby at 12/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Joe Citrone (@Joe_Citrone) Social Media Assistant, Star Sports

Following the shock announcement that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would step down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing, one of the BBC’s flagship entertainment shows, after over a decade of presenting it together, speculation has been rife about who will replace them.

One of the names that has cropped up as a possibility is comedian Alan Carr, who has enjoyed a great 2025 after winning the celebrity version of The Traitors in November, which, of course, is hosted by Winkleman.

There could be some doubt over whether he’d be able to fit something like this into his busy schedule, but his infectious, fun personality would definitely be a good fit for Strictly, and I’m sure the BBC would be interested in someone as popular and lovable as Carr.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Alan Carr to become a host on Strictly Come Dancing at 5/2 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Jon Bryan (@JonBryanPoker) Gambling Writer, Poker Player, Substacker

Twenty years ago, two players from the team I support — Newcastle United — scrapped with each other on the pitch and both got sent off. I’m hoping we don’t see a repeat of what Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer did in 2005 at St. James’ Park, but with so much to play for, and the possibility of tempers flaring, it could happen at one of the other Premier League grounds in 2026.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ A player to be sent off for striking his own team-mate in a Premier League fixture at 12/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Kaan Hughes (@KaanHughes) Head of On Course, Star Sports

I looked at a few of these, and what I’d like to happen, and what I think will happen are clearly different things.

One that did stand out after weeks of festive deliveries to my drive was the Amazon share price hitting $300 — as my better half has contributed.

NFL leg strength has never been bigger and, with ever-changing rules, it will happen, but the price doesn’t excite with so many factors.

Rory, Rory, Rory… tears were shed back in April when he slipped into that green jacket — remember: head not heart. Attaboy Rory.

An all-Irish final at the Derby is eye-catching because they are just so good, but a lot of luck is needed.

So, as a Manchester United fan, this clearly isn’t heart over head — and for those who still like to shout “glory hunter”, please refer to the previous 12 years. Yes, we still win trophies, but we are awful. I’m hoping with the potential to qualify for a lesser European competition and the cups early next season, we have that small chance.

At least with this, whenever they lose, it starts again and my bet will still have a chance in December!

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Manchester United to win five Premier League matches in a row in 2026 at 11/2 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Kim Sanzone (@Kim_Sanzone) Head of Greyhound Racing Operations for Star Sports

Greyhound Racing: Any greyhound to go unbeaten in the English Greyhound Derby at 8/1.

I believe that there are some class greyhounds currently in training both here and across the sea. Some strong types that have the stamina and ability to go 6 weeks unbeaten, there is likely to be an even stronger Irish presence in 2026 and the Irish trainers are known for their dogs improving throughout the competition.

Likewise, we have some excellent trainers here in the UK who will also strategically plan their campaign and get the best from their dogs throughout the competition, so I believe there is a good chance of a few going through each round unbeaten.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Any dog to go unbeaten in the English Greyhound Derby at 8/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Paul Ferguson (@paulfergusonJTF) Horse Racing Journalist

Although I could end up with egg on my face, I’ll take a chance on Willie Mullins not winning a race on day one at Cheltenham. There are now three handicap chases on the card (he has never won such a race), the Mares’ Hurdle — which Lossiemouth could switch to — has moved to day three and he also has a poor record in the Fred Winter.

At the time of writing, he has yet to introduce a high-class novice hurdler for the Supreme (still plenty of time, of course!) and with Kopek des Bordes missing Christmas, he has hardly enjoyed the ideal season to date.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Willie Mullins NOT to train a winner on day one of the Cheltenham Festival at 3/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Rory Delargy (@helysnar) Racing Expert

My selection is for Charlie Appleby and/or Aidan O’Brien to train all five Classic winners in Britain in 2026. All of the Classics have been dominated by Ballydoyle and Coolmore-owned horses in the last decade, with the majority of those races won by either one or other of the powerhouse stables.

Neither O’Brien nor Appleby shows any sign of slowing down in the last couple of seasons and while it’s never easy to name an Oaks or St Leger winner at this time of the year, it’s not hard to nominate what stables will produce a shortlist of leading candidates.

Plenty can go wrong with individual Classic prospects, but it’s a huge advantage that both stables have strength in depth in every division and can produce winners from left-field as well as having leading candidates from the usual juvenile trials.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Charlie Appleby and/or Aidan O’Brien to train all five Classic winners in Britain in 2026 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Stephen Harris (@Stephenh61) Daily YouTube Racing Tipster

Scouring the Star Sports specials for a bit of value in 2026 is one of the thrills of the festive season, and this does look slightly overpriced with all the teams from outside the top division sure to be trying for their lives.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Any team outside the Premier League to reach the FA Cup Final at 8/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Steve Jones (@sjracingmedia) Provence Racing Founder & Racing TV Pundit

Losing the Ashes series in such dismal fashion against a weak Australian side might not cost Stokes the captaincy of the Test side but it could lead to the dismissal of coach Brendan McCullum. With tricky series against New Zealand and Pakistan awaiting in the summer, similarly inept performances could lead to a complete change of direction.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Ben Stokes to relinquish the Test captaincy at 7/4 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Steven Mullington (@mulldog) Horse Racing Reporter

Willie Mullins achieved his first-ever Breeders’ Cup victory when his horse, Ethical Diamond, won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar in November 2025, and who is to say he won’t repeat the feat in 2026 too?

Surely the Closutton maestro will have a taste for it now and will be keen to prove that the first victory wasn’t a fluke. I think odds of 6/1 represent great value.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Willie Mullins to train a Breeders’ Cup Winner at 6/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ Tom Collins (@Tomptin) Tipping Tom on ITV Racing, Racing Analyst & Tipster

It’s only a matter of time before the new NFL longest field goal record of 68 yards is broken, so don’t be surprised to see it happen next year.

Cam Little (Jaguars), who currently holds the official record, hit a 70-yarder in a pre-season game last year and clearly has the leg to do it in a regular-season contest when the situation allows.

Add in Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys), Charlie Smyth (Saints) and Will Reichard (Vikings), all of whom have the leg strength to hit from this range, and 7/4 looks pretty fair.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ A successful 70+ yard field goal in the NFL regular season or playoffs at 7/4 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

⭐ William Kedjanyi (@KeejayOV3) Head of Political Content, Star Sports

Having had longer to go over the list than most, it was tempting to go for a number of the racing specials as the other experts have, but I’m sure our charity partners will get a solid run for their money with the 4/1 on both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch being replaced next year. There has been no movement in Starmer’s record low approval ratings for months now and there’s precious little opportunity or good news on the horizon for him to improve before crucial elections in May where Labour are sure to lose control of the Senedd whilst suffering heavy losses in London and Scotland. It will be extremely difficult for him to resist a Leadership challenge at that point whilst for all Kemi Badenoch has improved in the latter half of this year, the Tories face a bruising May and are being dominated by Reform in the polls. There’s the possibility that Starmer goes first, leaving any potential backer with 4/1 about Badenoch, whose Tory Party are 12 points adrift of Reform, leaving by the end of 2026.

⭐ Selection:
➡️ Keir Starmer (Labour) & Kemi Badenoch (Conservatives) both replaced as Party leaders at 4/1 with starsports.bet

🎆 CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS 🎆

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