TAUNTON punters have an extra race to look forward to on Thursday, when the first of the seven races on the card goes to post at 12.55pm.

With 65 runners declared and good going, an afternoon of exciting National Hunt racing looks to be in prospect.

All of the leading trainers including Colin Tizzard, David Pipe, Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs, Dan Skelton and Emma Lavelle have runners, while champion jockey Richard Johnson along with Tom Scudamore, Harry Cobden, Daryl Jacob, Aidan Coleman and Nico de Boinville are all booked to ride.

The most valuable race of the day is the Arthur and Peggy White Memorial Chase over two miles seven furlongs, a Class 3 event that goes to post at 3.40pm.

The two fancied horses here look likely to be Templepark from Fergal O’Brien’s yard, under three pound claimer Max Clifford, and Overland Flyer, trained by Nicholls and ridden by Cobden.

Those looking for better value might want to check out Bally Longford from the Tizzard stable each way.

For more details, log on to www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk