TAUNTON racegoers look to be in for another treat this afternoon when the Orchard Portman course host their festive meeting which kicks off at 12.40pm.

A massive £57,000 prize pot coupled with good to soft- soft in places, racing conditions, has attracted 89 runners, with a good spread across all events.

All of the big trainers are represented including Paul Nicholls, Alan King, Philip Hobbs, Colin Tizzard and David Pipe, while top jockeys Sam Twiston-Davies, Nick Schofield, Paddy Brenan and Tom Scudamore are all booked to ride.

In the first of the two big races on the card, the Dave Criddle Travel & Flybe Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 3) over two miles three furlongs at 2.40pm, Stephen Hero the mount of claimer David Noonan who rode a double last time at Taunton, looks a strong contender along with Calin Du Brizaz from the Nigel Hawke yard.

Half an hour later is the Stables Business Park Clients Day Out Handicap Steeple Chase, another Class 3 event, over two miles two furlongs, which will see Victor Dartnall’s Ut Majeur Aulmer return after six months off while the Nicholls trained Ceasar Milan is also worth a look.

Another local runner likely to attract attention is Stuart Kittow’s Kleitomachos, which won at the last meeting in the opening event.

In addition to the exciting racing action the highlights of the afternoon include the presence of the King’s College band and choristers, who will be playing season music throughout the afternoon, trade stands with a festive theme, as well as hot mince pies and mulled wine.

A courtesy coach service departs from Taunton Railway Station two hours before the first race returning from the course 30 minutes after the start of the last.