Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperature levels over Christmas is not anticipated to trigger any issues for the interesting Boxing Day cards in shop at Kempton and Aintree.


Kempton hosts what guarantees 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 nation has not been treated to a white Christmas and while there could be low readings over night ahead of Boxing Day, the projection ought to not difficulty racing fans ahead of the meeting.


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


"Ground conditions are offered as good, good to soft in places. Tony Martin his runner today and he thought it was beautiful ground, we remain in an excellent place.


"We have actually a got a frost forecast tonight and it might come down to minus one (degrees Celsius), but we should 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 a phenomenal card across the 2 days, we're actually anticipating it."


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


Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma stated: "We're good to soft, soft in places with no indication of any rain.


"It's turned colder today however we didn't get a frost today, we may get a yard frost tomorrow however nothing of concern.


"We're eagerly anticipating a truly great day of racing."