TAUNTON host their evening meeting today when Derek Thompson will be compere for the occasion and the first race goes to post at 5.25pm, writes Richard Walsh.

Local punters can look forward to some more exciting National Hunt action and despite the small fields in the opening two events all of the races look to be competitive.

Leading trainers Paul Nicholls, Gary Moore, Harry Fry and Dan Skelton have all got horses running while top jockeys Tom Scudamore, Nick Schofield, Sam Twiston-Davies, Jamie Moore and Daryl Jacob are among those booked to ride.

The two chases at the end of the card look to be the most interesting - in the 7.30pm Fine Jewellery, trained by Jamie Snowden and returning to action after nine months away, is worth a look as is Alex Dunn’s horse Gold Mountain in the last.

Racegoers are reminded that a courtesy coach service departs from Taunton Railway Station two hours before the off and returns 30 minutes after the start of the last.