CHAMPION jockey Tony McCoy will officially open the new owners, trainers and annual members' Paddock Stand at the next National Hunt meeting at Taunton next Thursday (writes Mike Allen).

The building of the stand during last summer was the major part of a £1 million renewal project and is just one indication of the commitment of the Racecourse executive to providing the best possible environment for the watching of top-class sport.

The biggest names in national Hunt race are regular participants at Taunton meetings, so it is entirely appropriate the ceremony will be performed by a jockey of McCoy's class.

He is set to perform the opening ceremony one hour before the meeting starts at 1.30.

The Paddock Stand, with its excellent bars and eating facilities, is a superb viewing area specially designated for the use of owners and trainers who, after all, are the lifeblood of our sport, and for the annual members who are so supportive of racing at Taunton.

The card for next Thursday reflects the occasion, with £45,000 in prize money going to some potentially superb racing.

Main feature is The Tote Credit Club Handicap Steeplechase over an extended 3m 3f, with £12,000 added.

There is also a good Novices' Handicap Chase and two EBF qualifying hurdles for which the national finals will be held at Sandown in March.

The Big Screen and the FREE race day bus service, leaving points in the town centre one hour before racing, are other indicators of Taunton's desire to provide the best possible sporting package.

The Paddock Stand goes a long way towards completing the picture.