Taunton’s most valuable raceday of the year The Portman Cup Meeting scheduled to take place last Saturday became another victim of the cold snap when it had to be cancelled because the course was frozen.

However, there is still plenty of racing left to come as we move into the busy time of the year and the next meeting at Taunton is on Tuesday February 7 when the first race is due to post at 2pm.

There will be two Class Three events on the card that day  and a total prize fund of £65200 on offer with the most valuable race being The Arthur and Peggy White Memorial Steeple Chase over two miles seven furlongs, which starts at 3pm.

Racegoers are reminded that they can take advantage of the very generous discounted prices on offer by purchasing their tickets  on-line in advance before 12pm on the day prior to racing.

A courtesy coach service departs from outside Platform 5 of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the off returning from the course half an hour after the start of the last race.

On Monday March 13, the day before the start of the Cheltenham Festival the Orchard Portman course are offering a Free Race Day. Four tickets per applicant are available and these need to be applied for before March 6.

Looking further ahead Taunton will be hosting their ever popular Gold Cup and Grand National Lunches on Friday March 17 and Saturday April 15 respectively, when the package comprises a welcome drink, two course lunch, afternoon tea, in-house book maker and racing host. Each lunch is priced at £39 or £70 for both.

To purchase tickets in advance and for all further information log onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk.