Thousands flock to family fun race day

More than 8,000 people attended the event at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday (July 31)

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Newbury Racecourse on Sunday (July 31) to enjoy the family fun race day in glorious summer sunshine.

About 8,600 people attended the event (a 22 per cent increase on last year), which included a host of activities for the young and old, including face painting, bouncy castles, inflatable assault courses and a pottery workshop, among other things.

Children's character Noddy was at the event to support the children's charity ‘tofs', which supports families of children born unable to swallow, while the racecourse mascot Harry the Horse was also on hand to distribute kids packs and the mascots of both Reading Football Club and London Irish Rugby Club, Kingsley and Digger, were also in attendance.

The author of Noddy and the Farmyard Muddle, Enid Blyton's granddaughter Sophie Smallwood, was also on hand to sign copies of her book, while younger visitors were treated to storytelling in the afternoon.

Other local organisations were represented at the raceday, with the pony rides raising money for the Lambourn group of the Riding for the Disabled association.

Nicky Hares, of Newbury Racecourse, said it was a very successful day, adding that the fantastic weather helped create a great atmosphere, with racegoers enjoying the range of outdoor activities and seven flat races.

For more pictures, click on the link below.