Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

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


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 scintillating John Durkan clash.


The country has not been treated to a white Christmas and while there could be low readings overnight ahead of Boxing Day, the forecast needs to not difficulty 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 extremely cold.


"Ground conditions are given as excellent, excellent to soft in locations. Tony Martin exercised his runner today and he thought it was beautiful ground, we remain in an excellent location.


"We have a got a frost projection tonight and it may get down to minus one (degrees Celsius), however we need to be OK on that as we've 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 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 prospering ahead ground-wise ahead of Boxing Day.


Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: "We're excellent to soft, soft in places with no indication of any rain.


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


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