TAUNTON punters have a got a bonus seventh race to look forward to when the Orchard Portman course host the only jumps meeting in the country on Monday, where the first action is due to post at 1.45pm.

Although an early morning (7.30am) precautionary inspection will take place, assuming the forecasters have got it right the meeting is expected to go ahead.

The going of good, good to soft in places has resulted in 70 horses being declared which has led to the first event being divided and the extra race on the card.

All of the leading trainers including Paul Nicholls, Phillip Hobbs, Colin Tizzard, Jonjo O’Neill, Emma Lavelle and Venetia Williams have horses running and top jacket Richard Johnson, Nick Schofield, Tom Scudamore, Sam Twiston-Davies and Bryony Frost are all booked to ride.

The big event on the card is The South West Racing Club Handicap Chase (Class 3) over two miles seven furlongs at 4.15pm.

This looks set to be contested by Diplomate Sivola, trained by Hobbs and ridden by amateur jockey David Maxwell, and five pound claimer Uhlan Bute under Charlie Deutsch from the Venetia Willams yard.

With 11 runners, three places will be paid so those looking for extra value may fancy a look at Fox Appeal, trained by Emma Lavelle under Aidan Coelman or Bramble Brook from the Tizzard stable under champion jockey Johnson.

A courtesy coach departs from Taunton Railway Station two hours before the off and returns 30 minutes after the start of the last.

For all the latest news and any further information log onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk.