Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperature levels over Christmas is not expected to trigger any concerns for the exciting Boxing Day cards in store at Kempton and Aintree.


Kempton hosts what promises to be a memorable 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 overnight ahead of Boxing Day, the projection must 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 very cold.


"Ground conditions are given as excellent, good to soft in places. Tony Martin exercised his runner this early morning and he believed it was lovely ground, we remain in a good place.


"We have actually a got a frost projection 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 susceptible locations.


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 truly eagerly 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 faring well ahead ground-wise ahead of Boxing Day.


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


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


"We're looking forward to an actually great day of racing."