THERE is an opportunity for everyone to get dressed up in their finery when Taunton Racecourse hold their Ladies Day Meeting on Thursday April 7 when the first of the seven races on the card which boasts a prize fund of just shy of £60k is due to post at 2.02pm, writes Richard Walsh.

This is always one of the colourful days of any racing season at the Orchard Portman course while the action on the track contains one Class 3 event and two three mile races, so another exciting afternoon of National Hunt Racing looks to be in store.

First up is The Rusty’s Thank You Family and Friends Handicap Hurdle over two miles and half a furlong, which is followed at 2.35 by The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Novices’ Handicap Hurdle which is the first of the three mile long races.

The James and Shona Gourlay Wedding Celebration Novices’ Hurdle Race over two miles and half a furlong is next at 3.10 and followed 35 minutes later by the Thanks to The South West Racing Club Handicap Steeple Chase over two miles and two furlongs, which £11k on offer in prizes.

The big race on the card is The Dave Criddle Travel Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 3) at 4.20pm which is over three miles and has a very generous prize fund of £13,000 up for grabs.

The Grand National Lunch Here on Saturday Handicap Steeple Chase over two miles and seven furlongs is next before the final action of the day.

The Evening Meeting Thursday April 21 Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race over two miles and half a furlong runs brings the curtain down at 5.25pm.

Racegoers are reminded that to take advantage of up to 40% discounts available tickets need to be purchased on line in advance before 12 noon on the day prior to racing by logging onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk.

A courtesy coach service departs from the main entrance of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race, returning half an hour after the start of the last.