Horse racing workers preparing for busy Christmas

Workers at a horse racing yard are preparing for one of their busiest times of year.

With 32 country-wide fixtures between Christmas and New Year's Day, workers have said the public "never see" how much effort goes on behind the scene.

At David Pipe's yard in Somerset, workers face freezing early starts and time away from their loved ones.

Mr Pipe said: "The horses don't know it's Christmas Day. Work goes on as normal really, it's part of the job."

It is a crucial time in the jump racing season and Boxing Day is a popular date for meetings.

But workers have said they still attempt to keep the festive spirit alive.

Suzanne Lower, who works at the yard, said: "Everybody comes in and we wear Christmas hats.

"We usually come in a bit earlier and get it all done as quickly as we can so we can get home to our families."

Tasks include exercising and feeding the horses, as well as cleaning the stables.

Another worker, Eileen Defew, said: "We try to make it as much fun as we can."

Jack Tudor, who trains at the yard, said he enjoys festive racing events.

He attends races all across England, including Wincanton Racecourse in Somerset on Boxing Day.

"I still try and enjoy the festive time. I spend it with the family and enjoy the day, with an early night to get ready for Boxing Day," he added.

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