TAUNTON hold their Twixmas Fixture on Saturday and have 136 entries spread across a bumper 7 race card commencing at 12:25, writes Martin Higgs.

We begin proceedings with the Cornish Rock Gin Juvenile Hurdle. Mojo Ego won last time at Doncaster and looks to set the standard for Highclere Thoroughbreds. Next up the Luke Sergeant Christmas 2023 Novices’ Hurdle and a strong entry of 36 with all of the major stables represented. It will be a tough race to win and whoever does will need to be useful. Classic King, Jingko Blue and Take No Chances head the short list.

Onto the Ferne Equine Rehab Centre Novices’ Handicap Chase, we are delighted to support them as our nominated charity for the meeting and their race looks likely to be very competitive with 4 last time out winners and 6 other horses placed on their previous outing, Pedley Wood could be the answer for the Joe Tizzard team.

Our feature race, the Class 1 Byerley Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle comes up next, 10 entries, 3 have won their last two races, 2 won last time out and 4 were runner up on their last runs, it’s very strong, however Wyenot made all at Kelso last time in a good time and looks a rapid improver and could take all the beating.

We follow that with the Racing TV 100% Profits Back To Racing Handicap Hurdle and Jaytee is a course winner who enjoyed a return to hurdles last time and still looks to be on a decent mark.

Time for another Chase and the Join The Taunton Racecourse Business Club Handicap Chase, 18 are entered in this and School For Scandal returns to the track of his last success and provided he stays the trip shouldn’t be far away.

Finally, our last race the 2 for 1 tickets On 8th January Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle, Sarsons Risk could be the answer to this after a win on the flat at Southwell in mid-December.

It’s sure to be an excellent afternoon’s entertainment and you can purchase tickets on our website www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk or pay on the gate.  For those of you looking to use our courtesy coach service, it will depart from outside platform 5 of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race time and return from the course 30 minutes after the start of the last.