Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperature levels over Christmas is not anticipated to cause any issues for the amazing Boxing Day cards in store at Kempton and Aintree.


Kempton hosts what promises to be a remarkable renewal of the 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 nation 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 trouble 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 very cold.


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


"We have a got a frost projection tonight and it may come down to minus one (degrees Celsius), but we ought to be OK on that as we have actually 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 2 days, we're really eagerly anticipating it."


Aintree are likewise set to stage a Grade One card with the William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle the feature, and they too are prospering ahead ground-wise ahead of Boxing Day.


Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: "We're good to soft, soft in locations with no sign of any rain.


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


"We're looking forward to a truly good day of racing."