Lambourn's biggest day is roaring success
The bizarre spectacle was just part of the fun that drew thousands from all over Britain to to West Berkshire for the Lambourn Betfair Open Day.
Despite gloomy forecasts, bright sunshine drew the crowds to the village's best known training yards, with Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows among the top draws.
Mr Henderson's 'magnificent seven' winners from the past 12 months proved a huge attraction.
One family even made the trip from Birmingham for the day.
Inside the arena, attractions included falconry displays, 'zorbing,' training races featuring top jockeys and the camel racing.
Today was also the day Newburytoday's own racing correspondent, former jockey Luyke Harvey, bested McCoy.
Mr Harvey, who beat his famous rival in the camel races, insisted afterwards: "It was inevitable - just a matter of time!"
Mr Henderson said: "This all started in quite a small way 25 years ago and it has grown to be a major attraction which raises thousands for good causes.
"It really brings people together."
The theme was echoed by fellow Lambourn trainer Harry Dunlop, who said: "It breaks down barriers and provides a chance for people to come together to celebrate horse racing and the way in which it is at the heart of life in Lambourn."
Keeping a slightly lower profile was Connor Murphy, the stable lad from Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows yard who won £1 million by backing five of Mr Henderson’s winning horses at the Cheltenham Festival.
Mr Murphy successfully called five of Henderson’s six winners; Lambourn based horses Sprinter Sacre, Simonsig, Bobs Worth, Finian’s Rainbow and Riverside Theatre, through Bet365.
He said today: "Nobody has recognised me thankfuly - and my mates know that, actually, I'm not the best tipper!"
Children mixed delightedly in the arena with hounds from the Vine and Craven Hunt and hunt president Peter Walwyn said: "What a marvelous event this is. We don't have racing on Good Friday at present and, frankly, we don't want it - not when we see crowds like this enjoying such a pleasant day together."
The Newbury Weekly News will have plenty of picture coverage and more news from the open day.
Make sure you pick up your copy on Thursday.
Click on the link below for live footage.
http://youtu.be/lSGKEj7NDaU