Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

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


what pledges to be an unforgettable 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 might be low readings overnight ahead of Boxing Day, the forecast should not trouble racing fans ahead of the meeting.


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


"Ground conditions are provided as good, good to soft in locations. Tony Martin exercised his runner this early morning and he thought it was beautiful ground, we're in an excellent location.


"We have a got a frost projection tonight and it might come down to minus one (degrees Celsius), however we should be OK on that as we've got take-offs and landings covered, and susceptible 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 sensational card across the two days, we're actually looking forward to it."


Aintree are also 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 excellent to soft, soft in locations with no sign of any rain.


"It's turned colder today but we didn't get a frost today, we might get a lawn frost tomorrow but nothing of concern.


"We're eagerly anticipating a really good day of racing."