Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperatures over Christmas is not anticipated to trigger any concerns for the interesting Boxing Day cards in store at Kempton and Aintree.


Kempton hosts what promises to be a remarkable renewal of the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, where the Willie Mullins-trained duo of Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior are set for a rematch after their scintillating John Durkan clash.


The country has actually not been treated to a white Christmas and while there could be low readings over night ahead of Boxing Day, the ought to not difficulty racing fans ahead of the meeting.


Kempton clerk Barney Clifford said: "We were down to 2 degrees overnight and there is an easterly wind that is extremely cold.


"Ground conditions are provided as good, great to soft in locations. Tony Martin exercised his runner today and he believed it was lovely ground, we're in an excellent location.


"We have actually a got a frost projection tonight and it might come down to minus one (degrees Celsius), however we ought to be OK on that as we have actually got take-offs and landings covered, and vulnerable areas.


Jockeys before the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices ´ Chase on King George VI Chase Day at Kempton Park (Steven Paston for the Jockey Club)


"It's an incredible card across the two days, we're really looking forward to it."


Aintree are likewise set to stage a Grade One card with the William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle the feature, and they too are faring well ahead ground-wise ahead of Boxing Day.


Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma stated: "We're good to soft, soft in locations without any sign of any rain.


"It's turned colder today however we didn't get a frost this morning, we may get a grass frost tomorrow but absolutely nothing of concern.


"We're anticipating an actually excellent day of racing."