Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperature levels over Christmas is not expected to trigger any issues for the exciting Boxing Day cards in shop 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 country has actually not been treated to a white Christmas and while there could be low readings overnight ahead of Boxing Day, the projection should not problem racing fans ahead of the conference.


Kempton clerk Barney Clifford stated: "We were down to 2 degrees overnight and there is an easterly wind that is extremely cold.


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


"We have a got a frost forecast tonight and it may come down to minus one (degrees Celsius), but we ought 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 throughout the 2 days, we're really looking 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 said: "We're good to soft, soft in places with no sign of any rain.


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


"We're anticipating a really great day of racing."