Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

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


Kempton hosts what pledges 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 actually not been treated to a white Christmas and while there might be low readings overnight ahead of Boxing Day, the projection should not difficulty racing fans ahead of the conference.


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


"Ground conditions are as great, great to soft in locations. Tony Martin exercised his runner this early morning and he thought it was lovely ground, we're in a great location.


"We have a got a frost projection tonight and it may 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 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 remarkable card across the two days, we're truly 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 stated: "We're excellent to soft, soft in locations without any sign of any rain.


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


"We're anticipating a truly excellent day of racing."