CLARE James, winner of the Best Dressed Lady at Taunton’s race meeting on Thursday, was overjoyed when it was announced she had won a Weekend in Paris for Two given by race sponsor Dave Criddle Travel, writes Richard Walsh.

Clare, from Wiveliscombe, said: “I enjoy my racing and have been a member at Taunton Racecourse for the last seven or eight seasons. I am very fond of horses, which is why I joined as a member at Taunton, where there is a great atmosphere.”

Clare added: “I have been a runner-up in the Best Dressed Lady competition for the last two years, so I was determined to go one better in 2015, and I was lucky enough to win the main prize.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time for us because we are busy building a house and haven’t had a holiday for a little while. What made it even better, however, was that my husband had £20 on the winner of Saturday’s Grand National when he was 50-1, so we now have the spending money when we go to Paris.”

The final meeting of the 2015-16 season at Taunton is next Wednesday (April 20) when it hosts an evening meeting. Derek Thompson is hosting the evening with the first race due off at 5.30pm.

Discounts are available by booking on-line in advance before 10am on Tuesday at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk Race-goers who have retained their badges from April 7 can get in for £10.