Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperatures over Christmas is not expected to cause any concerns 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 Durkan clash.


The country has not been dealt with to a white Christmas and while there could be low readings over night ahead of Boxing Day, the projection should not problem racing fans ahead of the conference.


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


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


"We have actually a got a frost projection tonight and it might get down to minus one (degrees Celsius), but we ought to be OK on that as we've got liftoffs 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 phenomenal card across the two days, we're actually eagerly 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 prospering ahead ground-wise ahead of Boxing Day.


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


"It's turned colder today however we didn't get a frost this early morning, we may get a grass frost tomorrow but absolutely nothing of concern.


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