TAUNTON Racecourse has added another meeting to its calendar, which takes place on Monday, first race at 12.30pm.

Recent guidelines affecting race planning have meant that racecourses can bid for extra fixtures.

And for those race-goers maybe contemplating the benefits of annual membership at Taunton, there is the incentive of two additional meetings in 2007.

Prizemoney exceeding £45,000 has been found for this bonus December outing, which should guarantee healthy interest from owners and trainers looking for action ahead of the busy end-of-year programme.

Expect a festive atmosphere at Taunton, not least from the naming of the six races on this tempting card.

The Holly And The Ivy Mares' Only Maiden Hurdle gets proceedings under way at 12.30.

That's followed by the richest race of the day, the £12,000 added Brandy And Butter Novices' Steeple Chase to be run over almost three miles.

This class three race allows for the entry of winners of up to two chases and, with Taunton's renowned ability to keep former favourites coming back, it should be a good contest.

Another Mares' Only Maiden Hurdle - this one for younger aspirants - heralds a second promising Chase, The Mistletoe Handicap, also going at three miles and with £10,000 added.

The Turkey And Stuffing Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase leads into the last on the card and the best Hurdle race of the afternoon - the appropriately named Happy Christmas And Prosperous New Year Handicap Hurdle, going off at 3.15pm.

Taunton's next meeting will be the mammoth Christmas meeting which takes place on December 29.