Taunton Racecourse excited for started of the season

Taunton are delighted to get their season underway this Thursday, or for those of you reading this article in the paper, today!  Gates open at 10.30 with the first of 6 races commencing at 12.30.

Tickets are available on the website WWW.TAUNTONRACECOURSE.CO.UK or you can turn up on the day and pay on the gate.

For those of you looking to use the courtesy coach service, it will depart from outside platform 5 of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race time and return half an hour after the start of the last.

Much has been documented about the weather this year and, after a wet Summer, we are experiencing a very dry Autumn.  This is creating havoc for the tracks regarding the supply of easy ground for trainers looking to introduce their Winter horses.  A number of fixtures have experienced small fields, which sadly is inevitable, but hold tight because when the rain comes there will be plenty of it!

The Taunton card commences with the Royal Oak at Hillcommon Novices’ Chase with Jet Of Dreams looking the answer here.

This is followed by the County Stores Remember Cyborgo Handicap Hurdle and 9 run with Mordred returning to hurdles after a spell chasing – interesting…

We follow this with a Novices’ Hurdle, the first of 3 races sponsored by South West Rail Solutions.  Tuxedo Junction runs for the sponsor, could they collect their own prize ?

A Maiden Hurdle next with Tout Sur Moi setting the standard and looking as though improvement is assured.

Back on the Chase track and Jony Max made all to win at Warwick last week and should go well under a penalty.  However, front-running grey School For Scandal (pictured) could take some catching.

Finally the day ends with the TBA Mares Handicap Hurdle and Sweet Caryline could have you singing all the way to the bookies, care of team Tizzard..

The loyal supporters of the track will be delighted to return and I am reliably informed Annual Membership is still available and great value - check the website..

Further afield it was great to see two time Taunton hurdle winner JPR One take the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter for the in-form Tizzard team and, as I mentioned last week, the West Country trainers have started the year on the front foot.  Paul Nicholls registered 5 winners at Wincanton on Saturday including the Elite Hurdle and David Pipe sent King Turgeon up to Aintree to win the Grand Sefton Chase over the National fences under a superb ride from Jack Tudor.  It was a joy to behold and a definite catch up watch if you haven’t already seen it.

So there you are, I’ve packed it in this week and hopefully found you a couple of winners to boot..enjoy your racing !