Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

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


Kempton hosts what guarantees 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 actually not been treated to a white Christmas and while there might be low readings over night ahead of Boxing Day, the forecast must not problem racing fans ahead of the meeting.


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


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


"We have a got a frost forecast tonight and it might get down to minus one (degrees Celsius), but we should 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 an extraordinary 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 feature, and they too are faring well ahead ground-wise ahead of Boxing Day.


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


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


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