Taunton to host premier meeting on December 30

As we look forward to the Christmas and New Year racing period, it is time to recognise the hard work that goes into providing our entertainment.

Horses do not look after themselves and at every stable around the country on Christmas morning the staff will be going the extra mile to ensure they are cared for and happy before enjoying themselves.

From Boxing Day onwards all of them will be working hard either at home or at the racecourse to enable us to enjoy the sport we all love.

Thanks all, your efforts are very much appreciated.

On to the competition.

We start with Boxing Day and the King George VI Chase.

Sadly no West Country involvement this year, however expect a high quality renewal with Willie Mullins holding the aces with Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior.

Could this be the start of his Trainers’ Championship challenge?

He needs to get his act together soon as Dan Skelton has already hit the £2 million mark with 94 winners.

Regarding an investment, surely The Jukebox Man has to be cracking each way value at 13/2.

He took the eye when beating Iroko (who won at Ascot last Saturday) at Haydock last time and is a course and distance winner on the likely ground.

With nine runners you will get three places, what is not to like!

I am particularly excited to see Sir Gino do “his thing” in the Christmas Hurdle.

He is unbeaten and the switch back to hurdling looks an interesting move, with the opinion that the Champion Hurdle is there for the taking in March.

Next up, let’s put a couple in the little black book for 2026.

We already have two written in.

Choice Runner – one run and fourth, now has a handicap mark and follow for his next two runs.

Molly’s Lad – not run since advised.

A couple more.

Let It Rain – Dan Skelton.

She was third at Ascot recently on her first run for over a year.

It was her handicap debut off a mark of 120 and she was only beaten three-quarters of a length.

She is already a three-time winner from five starts and her rating suggests she is well capable of winning off this mark.

We will definitely be on her side for the next two runs.

Bobbi With An I – Joe Tizzard.

This mare was second behind Apples Moon recently at Wincanton.

It was a tactical affair and she was briefly outpaced between the last two flights before running on strongly at the finish, ending well clear of the third horse.

Her race rating suggests this was a career best and she should go one better over the next couple of runs.

Locally, Taunton holds their premier meeting of the season on Tuesday 30 December kindly supported by Boyle Sports who have just recently opened up a shop in Taunton, along with Byerley Stud who have generously continued their sponsorship of the £45,000 added Listed Mares Hurdle.

It promises to be a bumper meeting with plenty of runners and a great atmosphere.

If you fancy going along, tickets are available at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk as well as on the day at the gate.

For those of you looking to attend there is also a courtesy coach service arranged for the day.

It will depart from outside platform 5 of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race and return half an hour after the start of the last.

Merry Christmas one and all and let's hope Santa doesn't disappoint!