TAUNTON raced last Thursday with plenty of festive fun and 8 enthralling races.  Here is our review with a couple of pointers, writes Martin Higgs.

Racing started with the Blackdown Motor Company Hurdle won by Quinn who was well backed from 28/1 to 13/2 at the off - follow him for his next two runs.

Inside Man took the Kings College Taunton Junior Hurdle.  He was an eye-catching runner up at Wincanton last time out and followed that with a win here under David Noonan.  He’ll keep on improving and is one to keep the right side of.

Our third and fourth races were supported by Jetset Travel and Flights with Fiercely Proud securing victory for in-form trainer Ben Pauling in the first division and then Ballee followed up his win at the track 2 weeks ago by taking the second division.  Micheal Nolan made all on this impressive looking horse and the Philip Hobbs & Johnson White trained gelding will surely go onto better things and is definitely one for the notebook

We then moved on to the Canadian Affair Holidays and Flights Novices’ Chase.  Morfee (pictured) was first past the post under James Best for trainer Seamus Mullins.  It was tremendous to see his owner Ann Leftley in attendance as she has supported the sport for a number of years.

The Classic Collection Holidays Handicap Hurdle was up next and Samuel Spade made it a double on the day for jockey Kielan Woods and trainer Ben Pauling.  They are well worth following whilst their form holds up - Samuel Spade is only 4 years old and will surely keep improving.

It was great to see Dave Criddle Travel and their guests in attendance and they continue to support our Ladies Day ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition in April, by providing a weekend for two in Paris for the winner.  Their race was won by Heros who made it back to back wins at the track.

Our last race was the Christmas Meeting 30th December Handicap Hurdle and a win for Gyllen under Harry Cobden.  He was yet another horse on the card to make it multiple wins at the track this season already and we wonder if any of them will return for our ‘Twixmas’ meeting on Saturday 30th December- it’s sure be a great day and discounted early bird tickets are available now at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk.

Happy Christmas to you all and enjoy your racing!