Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperature levels over Christmas is not expected to cause any issues for the exciting Boxing Day cards in shop at Kempton and Aintree.


Kempton hosts what pledges to be a remarkable renewal of the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, where the 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 might be low readings over night ahead of Boxing Day, the projection must not trouble racing fans ahead of the conference.


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


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


"We have actually a got a frost forecast tonight and it may get down to minus one (degrees Celsius), but we must be OK on that as we've got liftoffs 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 an incredible card across the 2 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 stated: "We're great to soft, soft in locations without any sign of any rain.


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


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