LOCAL punters can expect another action packed afternoon with large fields being the order of the day when Taunton Racecourse host their next meeting on Tuesday afternoon, where the first of the events goes to post at 2.20pm, writes Richard Walsh.

With a total of 83 horses declared, and 17 in each of the first two races, the very attractive prizepot of £60.4k has attracted horses from leading trainers Alan King, Nicky Henderson, Colin Tizzard, Dan Skelton, Nigel Twiston-Davies and Harry Fry.

In addition, top jockeys Richard Johnson, Wayne Hutchinson, Noel Fehily, Paddy Brenan and Sam Twiston-Davies are all booked to ride.

The most valuable race on the card is The Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Handicap Hurdle  (Class 2) over two miles and half a furlong at 4.20pm, with £18,500 up for grabs in prize money.

In the big event Top Tug - trained by Alan King and ridden by Wayne Hutchinson - and Dan Skelton’s Bertimont, ridden by brother Harry, are likely to attract attention.

Racegoers are reminded that a courtesy coach service departs from Taunton Railway Station two hours before racing begins and returns from the course 30 minutes after the start of the last.