HRH The Princess Royal was present at Taunton’s race meeting on Thursday in her capacity as Patron of the Injured Jockey Fund and after hosting a lunch in the Orchard Restaurant selected the Best Turned Out horse in the parade ring before the second race.

After watching the Injured Jockeys Fund Maiden Hurdle race HRH presented the prize to the winning connections of Donnie Azoff the 11-10 winner, trained by Jamie Snowden and ridden by Gavin Sheehan.

This was the first time a member of the Royal Family had been to the course since 1962 when it was HRH The Queen Mother who visited.

Among the guests of the Injured Jockey Fund were Sir Anthony McCoy, Brough Scott and Tom Scudamore who all have close links with this very worthwhile charity.

The big race was won by Iberio the 6-4 favourite trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White owned by Brocade Racing and ridden to victory in the wet and muddy conditions by Micheal Nolan

Racing returns to Taunton on Thursday 13th April when they host their ever popular Ladies Day Meeting when the first action on the course is due to post at 2pm.

Those who attend Ladies Day dressed to impress could be in with a chance of winning a Weekend for Two in Paris that has kindly been donated by Dave Criddle Travel.

In addition to the action on the course The River Tones Chorus will be on hand to entertain along with several trade stands -Flintstone Flock – Sheepskins and woven wares,  The Foraging Pheasant – Country Life antiques and collectables, Derek and Anna Toze – Woodwork items, Gallop Guru – Horse and Country inspired gifts  and Rock Gin.

Those who attend the 13th April meeting ~Dressed to Impress could be with a chance of winning a Weekend for Two in Paris, donated by Dave Criddle Travel, who has sponsored the big race on the card at 3.45pm which carries prize money of £13,800.

Punters are reminded that Taunton Racecourse offers very generous discounts on tickets purchased on-line in advance before 12 noon on the day prior to racing.

Looking further ahead the Orchard Portman Course  will be hosting a Royal Ascot Lunch on Saturday 24th June, which will include a drink on arrival, two course lunch. racing host, in house bookmaker and afternoon all for just £39 per person.

A courtesy bus will depart from Platform 5 side of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race and return 30 minutes after the start of the last race.

To book tickets or to find out more  log onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk