RACING made a welcome return to Taunton Racecourse on Thursday much to the delight of the 1500 punters who enjoyed an exciting afternoon of jumps action, writes Richard Walsh.

The afternoon got off to a great start for the members of the David Pipe Racing Club when their horse Iron Heart won the opener in a thrilling finish, by a head, under Phillip Armson after going out at 10-3.

There was further delight for west country punters when Midnight Midge trained by Philip Hobbs at Bilbrook, near Minehead , and ridden by Ben Jones won the big race of the day, the Invest Southwest Novices’ Handicap Chase by nine lengths at 85-40.

Taunton race again on Thursday 24th November when the  first of the six events on the card, which has a massive prize fund of over £63k up for grabs, gets underway at 12.40pm.

The most valuable race on the card which is worth £13.100, is the The Bet At Racing TV.Com handicap hurdle race over two miles three furlongs, a Class 3 event at 2.20pm.

This is followed half an hour later by The Mike Trickey and Geoff White Memorial Handicap Steeple Chase over two miles two furlongs.

Somerset County Gazette: Members of the David Pipe Racing Club with Iron Heart. Picture: PPAUKMembers of the David Pipe Racing Club with Iron Heart. Picture: PPAUK (Image: PPAUK)

This race is dedicated to Mike Trickey (former clerk of the course) and Geoff White (former steward) both of whom were very well known and highly regarded in local racing circles.

Racegoers are reminded that they can save up to £10 per person by buying tickets online in advance before 12 noon on the day prior to racing  for the next meeting on 24th November.

On race days a courtesy coach departs from Platform 5 of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race, retiring from the course half an hour after the start of the last.

To book tickets or for all other information log onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk