MORE than 4,000 punters descended on Taunton Racecourse for the Christmas meet on Saturday (December 30).

Somerset-based trainer Paul Nicholls enjoyed early success with Dan McGrue, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, at 5/2 in the 12.50.

Unlike the previous meet, which saw a shock 100/1 winner, there were a lack of truly surprise winners, with the biggest priced triumph coming when Indy Five led the field home at 7/1 in the 1.25.

Racegoers can now look forward to the first meet of 2018 on Tuesday, January 9 which carries a prize fund of £62,000.

The big race is the Love Musgrove Handicap, a Class 3 event over two miles seven furlongs with a prize pot of £15,800, due off at 2.10pm.