Kempton 50/50 for Boxing Day

The bad weather is already causing problems for next week´s huge racing action. Kempton´s big Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) meeting is apparently only 50/50 to go ahead; Market Rasen and Towcester have already cancelled their racing that day, and all 3 Irish fixtures for St. Stephen´s day (same thing) have already been called off - athough Leopardstown and Down Royal are hoping to stage these cards later in the week.

The most important Boxing Day race is the King George VI Chase at Kempton, which Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy) will attempt (weather permitting) to win for an unprecedented fifth time. McCoy has now been booked to ride as Noel Fehily is still having problems with his wrist, while regular pilot Ruby Walsh is not expected back in action for at least another month.