THERE was plenty for West Somerset racing fans to cheer about when Taunton held their Festive Meeting last Thursday.

Good sized fields and better racing conditions led to an exciting afternoon of National Hunt action, with two local trainers saddling winners.

The first local winner came in the fourth race when Kap Vert trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White at Bilbrook and ridden by Sean Houlihan triumphed in the Novices’ Handicap Steeplechase Chase over two miles seven furlongs after going off at 4-1.

The second local winner came in the next when Celtic Art trained by Jeremy Scott at Brompton Regis and ridden by Lorcan Williams won the Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) over two miles and three furlongs, going off at 12-1.

Taunton’s next action is The BoyleSports New Year Raceday on Tuesday, 30th December, which is traditionally the biggest meeting on the calendar at the Orchard Portman course.

Racing gets underway at 12.50pm while the last event on the card is due off at 3.55pm.

The gates will open two hours beforehand and as a large attendance is expected the advice is to arrive in plenty of time.

Those using public transport can use a courtesy bus that departs from the Platform 5 side of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the start of racing and returns 30 minutes after the start of the final event.

Those intending to go along to Taunton’s big meeting can save at least £5 off the gate price by purchasing tickets in advance on line before noon the day before racing.

Anyone purchasing a group of 15 or more tickets in advance on line can save £10 each.

To find out more or to purchase tickets on line in advance log onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk

Following December 30th, Taunton’s next meeting is on Thursday, 8th January