TAUNTON will be hoping to return to their normal racing programme next Thursday, February 27, when they host the Royal Bath and West Raceday.

The action gets under way at 2.10pm.

As a result of the on-going problems caused by the heavy rain, yesterday’s scheduled meeting at the Orchard Portman course was an all hurdle affair.

But next week will see a mixture of both steeplechases and hurdles, and with a generous prize pot on offer a strong entry is expected.

The most valuable race on the card is The Royal Bath and West Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeplechase, a Class 3 event over 2m½f which has prize money of £10,000 and goes to post at 3.10pm.

The second big event on the card is an hour later. The Class 3 Bathwick Tyres Handicap Hurdle over 2m 3½f has a prize pot of £8,500.

Racegoers are reminded that substantial discounts are available if tickets are bought online before 10am on the day before racing.

A courtesy bus service leaves Taunton Railway Station an hour before the first race and returns after racing.