A CROWD of 4,292 enjoyed racing at Bangor-on-Dee last Saturday when the meeting began with the NSPCC Borders Novices' Hurdle race.
In the early stages of the three-mile trip, Middleham Park and Abraham Smith disputed the lead before the top-weight Rowley Hill, sent off 9-4 joint favourite, went on to lead three from home.
Lease Back challenged on the home straight but Wayne Hutchinson kept Rowley Hill galloping to the line and won by one-and-a-half lengths.
The NSPCC North East Wales Novices' Steeplechase went to the 5-2 joint favourite Indien Royal, ridden by Christian Williams.
Long-time leader Tonic Du Charmil lost his footing five fences from home and the winner was three lengths clear of Roofing Spirit passing the winning post.
There was a steady pace in the NSPCC Donors Handicap Hurdle set by Witness Leader.
Four flights from home, a line of four horses disputed the lead before General Gossip, an 11-2 shot ridden by Warren Marston, moved ahead and retained an advantage of one length over Bohemian Boy to win the contest.
Ebony Light had the field well strung out in the featured Kronospan Handicap Steeplechase, run over the extended three-mile trip when attempting to make all the running.
The gelding tired in the closing stages to allow Gunner Welburn, who had tracked the leader, to open up a 14-length advantage after jumping the last.
The winner started at 13-2 and trainer Andrew Balding said: 'This is my first visit to Bangor-on-Dee. He loved the ground and the jockey had confidence to wait and showed good judgement.'
Australian commentator Matthew Hall, who contributed to the radio coverage of the John Smith's Grand National last week, gave an international flavour to the meeting when calling the Jane McAlpine Memorial Hunters' Steeplechase.
A sedate pace ensured a closely-bunched field before Yeoman Sailor and Ask The Natives pulled clear of the other runners.
Ask The Natives, ridden by Chloe Roddick, justified being sent off the 2-1 favourite to hold on by a rapidly-diminishing half a length.
Racing concluded with the NSPCC Fullstop Handicap Hurdle Race. When Lady Lisa fell at the last flight, La Marette was left in front and the mare, ridden by 5lbs claimer Mark Nicolls, won by three lengths from Alessandro Severo.
