TAUNTON hosted a great afternoon of National Hunt Racing last Thursday afternoon that saw large fields delivering some exciting action which was much enjoyed by the large crowd.

Sadly, however, there were no local trainers in the winners enclosure at the Orchard Portman course, which is always a disappointment to local racegoers. Despite the lack of a winners, however, several local horses were in the frame and gave punters a chance to recoup some funds betting each way. In the opening race Native Moon trained by Jeremy Scott at Brompton Regis and ridden by Lorcan Williams was second going off at 11-2.

In the second of the afternoon the Philip Hobbs and Johnson White trained Saint Anapolino returned to the track after a break of 332 days and ended second by a length under Sean Houlihan after going off at 3-1.

The West Somerset duo of Hobbs and White had to settle for second place again in the fifth when Sassified ridden by Harry Cobden was well placed throughout and challenged strongly in the closing yards but in the end was beaten into second by a head after going off at 3-1.

The next fixture at Taunton is on Thursday, 12th December, when they host their pre Christmas, Festive Meeting when the first race is due off at 12,20pm, with the gates opening two hours in advance.

There will be plenty to get racegoers into the Festive spirit at next week’s meeting when King’s College, Taunton, musicians will be playing and signing carols in addition to which there will be a range of trade stands.

For those who drive to the course there is free parking available, while a courtesy coach departs from Taunton train station 90 minutes before the first race and returns from the course 30 minutes after the start of the last.

To take advantage of the generous discounts on offer purchase tickets before mid day on the day prior to racing by logging onto www.tauntonraces.co.uk.

Following next week’s meeting the next event at Taunton is the Post Christmas fixture on Monday 30th December when the first race is due to post at 12.45pm. This is always Taunton’s biggest meeting of the year and has become a fixture in the festive calendar so the advice is to buy tickets in advance and set off early to avoid missing any of the action.

Racing comes thick and fast over the Christmas period with Exeter holding meetings on 19th December and 1st January, while there is action at Wincanton on 17th and 26th December and 4th January 2025. T

To find out more about Exeter and Wincanton log onto thejockeyclub.co.uk.