LUKE Harvey wore the biggest smile in Oxfordshire yesterday after marking his 50th birthday with a winner at the Lockinge point-to-point.
The horse racing presenter and former jockey, who lives in Fawler, near Kingston Lisle, saw his nine-year-old Porlock Bay storm home under Gina Andrews to land the Restricted race at a windswept course.
Storm Katie changed the overnight going to soft (heavy in places) and saw a total of just 20 horses contest the six races.
But spectators still turned out in their thousands, although nobody was as happy as Harvey.
"What a day!" he said.
"This was an ideal race with the rain and to get the best female jockey around in Gina Andrews was an added bonus.
"There will certainly be some celebrations.
"I came here with the landlords of two local pubs in the back of the van, and they had a bottle of something each, so it looks like being a terrific night."
Harvey's win overshadowed the Henderson family, who dominated the opening three races.
Camilla, daughter of leading trainer Nicky – who was present to see his colours carried to victory – produced a driving finish to get Medieval Chapel up in the opening Members' race.
The eight-year-old had the inside rail coming around the final bend, and it proved vital as Camilla's charge got the better of odds-on favourite Oliver James, ridden by Freddie Henderson, her third cousin.
"That's the first time I have beaten him," beamed Camilla, who lives in Stanford in the Vale afterwards.
"We wanted him to enjoy himself and he kept taking me to the front so I just let him bowl along."
Father Nicky added: "Camilla gave him a lovely ride. She won this race with Geos a good few years ago, but we really enjoy coming to this meeting."
Freddie did not take long to find himself in the winner's enclosure, however, when he steered Say No home in the Confined race and then Thanks For Coming in the Mixed Open.
The Faringdon-based rider, who is studying history at Newcastle University, commented: "I had a double at this meeting last year.
"It's our local course so we try and come when we can."
The most dramatic race of the afternoon was the fourth, which saw just two horses go to post – but neither finish.
Nodforms Violet unseated Harry Marsh at the seventh, before Lively Baron refused at the fence in front of the stands, meaning a void race.
The afternoon's card was completed with a win for Emgee in the Maiden under James Martin.
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