Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperature levels over Christmas is not expected to cause any issues for the exciting Boxing Day cards in shop 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 not been dealt with to a white Christmas and while there might be low readings over night ahead of Boxing Day, the projection ought to not problem racing fans ahead of the meeting.


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


"Ground conditions are offered as great, excellent to soft in places. Tony Martin exercised his runner today and he thought it was beautiful ground, we're in a good location.


"We have a got a frost projection tonight and it might come down to minus one (degrees Celsius), but we need to be OK on that as we have actually got liftoffs 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 2 days, we're truly anticipating it."


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


Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: "We're great to soft, soft in locations 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 yard frost tomorrow however absolutely nothing of concern.


"We're anticipating a really great day of racing."