OVER 2,500 people braved the weather to attend the season finale at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse.

The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of racegoers at the Summer Meeting on Tuesday, June 4, with the racecourse playing host to six races, producing some fantastic sport and some nail-biting finishes during the afternoon.

The meeting also marked the end of the season, with a short break until Ladies’ Day on Friday, August 2.

Donald McCain was crowned Leading Trainer for the 13th consecutive year; holding the title since he took over from his father in 2006. The Leading Jockey was Brian Hughes, who rode nine winners at the North Wales track during the season.

The IML Marine Management kicked off the afternoon. Dream Machine and Gunnery eventually fought out the finish, pulling clear of the rest of the field in a great battle.

A tactically perfect ride from Alex Edwards saw Damut I’m Out win the Residential Estates Novices’ Handicap Chase in eye-catching style.

It was a one-two for Donald McCain in the Derek Burridge Golf and Racing Trophies Handicap Hurdle, but not in the order some may have expected. Secret Escape virtually made all under Brian Hughes and in second place came Wazowski.

Another thrilling finish came in the Lindop Toyota Handicap Chase, with Steel Wave and Old Pride locking horns from the back of two out.

Handy Hollow, under young jockey Lorcan Murtagh made it two winners on the afternoon for Donald McCain in the R D Owen Equine Clinic Handicap Hurdle.

Lorcan Murtagh claimed two winners in the space of half an hour when riding The Character to victory in the Bangor Bet Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

The next fixture is Ladies Day on Friday, August 2. The seven-race card will be supported by a best dressed competition, with a number of prizes up for grabs.

Ticket prices start from £7, with children 17 and under admitted free of charge. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit bangorondeeraces.co.uk or call the box office on 01978 780323.