TAUNTON will be hoping to return to their normal racing programme today (Thursday) when they host the Royal Bath and West Raceday when the first action goes to post at 2.10pm.

Because of the ongoing problems caused by the heavy rain, last Tuesday’s scheduled meeting at the Orchard Portman course was an all-hurdle affair, but this week should see a mixture of both steeplechases and hurdles andwith a generous prize pot on offeranother strong entry is expected.

The most valuable race on the card is The Royal Bath and West Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 3 event, over two miles two-and-a-half furlong which has prizemoney of £10k up for grabs and goes to post at 3.10pm.

The second big event on the card is an hour later.

The Bathwick Tyres Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) over two miles and three and a half furlongs has a prize pot of £8,500.

Taunton racegoers are reminded that substantial discounts are available if tickets are purchased online in advance before 10am on the day prior to racing.