Easter Monday's bad weather meant crowds at the Old Berkshire Hunt's Point-to-Point were down by about a third on last year.

It is estimated that about 10,000 people - including Laura Hunter, pictured with John Randall and Jake and Holly Randall, above - attended the prestigious race at Lockinge, near Wantage, yesterday - about 5,000 fewer than in April 2007.

Spells of snow and hail meant organisers cancelled the meeting's traditional picnic.

Sarah Bull, from nearby East Challow, said: "I am glad I braved the elements to come along.

"The snow seems to have deterred a few people from coming, but the standard of racing - and the fact I had winning bets on two of the races - made it well worthwhile!"