Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperatures over Christmas is not expected to cause 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 Durkan clash.


The country has not been dealt with to a white Christmas and while there could be low readings overnight ahead of Boxing Day, the forecast 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 very cold.


"Ground conditions are offered as good, excellent to soft in places. Tony Martin exercised his runner this early morning and he thought it was charming ground, we remain in an excellent location.


"We have a got a frost forecast tonight and it might get down to minus one (degrees Celsius), however we must 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 extraordinary card throughout the two days, we're truly anticipating it."


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


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


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


"We're eagerly anticipating an actually good day of racing."