Kempton And Aintree All Set For Thrilling Boxing Day Cards

A dip in temperature levels over Christmas is not expected to trigger any concerns for the interesting Boxing Day cards in store at Kempton and .


Kempton hosts what guarantees 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 nation has 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 said: "We were down to two degrees over night and there is an easterly wind that is very cold.


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


"We have actually a got a frost projection tonight and it may come 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 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 an extraordinary card across the 2 days, we're actually anticipating 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 said: "We're good to soft, soft in locations with no indication of any rain.


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


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