HORSE RACING: Steeplechasers return to Taunton on Thursday (From This is The West Country)

HORSE RACING: Steeplechasers return to Taunton on Thursday

4:24pm Monday 25th February 2013 in Sport

AFTER two meetings of all hurdle races because of the wet ground, Taunton will resume normal service when they host a seven race card, including two steeplechases, on Thursday when racing gets underway at 2.10pm.

The Royal Bath and West Raceday at Orchard Portman on Thursday will boast three Class 3 events and a whacking £47,500 up for grabs in prize money, something which is bound to attract a large number of entries.

The biggest race on the card is the Royal Bath and West Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase, over two miles and half a furlong which has £13,200 in prizes on offer and is due to post at 3.10pm.

The card features the Bathwick Handicap Hurdle Race, over two and a half miles with £10,500 on offer in prize money, 30 minutes later.

Also included in the afternoon’s action is the CGA Foxhunter Trial Steeple Chase, for the Richard Williams Memorial Trophy,the penultimate action of the day which is run over three miles.

Earlier this year Taunton suffered the disappointment of having to abandon their biggest ever raceday because of the snow.

However the fixture will now be staged on Thursday, April 4, the Family Funday Easter Racemeeting, when a whopping £100,000 prize-money will be up for grabs and the first race gets underway at 2.10pm.

Racegoers are reminded that Taunton tickets can be purchased at discounted prices if bought on-line 48 hours in advance by logging onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk

A courtesy coach service departs from Taunton Railway Station an hour before the opening event, picking up at the Bus Station near the town centre shortly afterwards and departing from the racecourse 30 minutes following the final race.