And they're off... again

Racing finally returned to the borough on Friday - and the crowd included celebs like Alex Ferguson, whose wife Cathy owned Broomielaw which won the 4.10pm race.

After the race Sir Alex said: "The horse has been out injured for a few months so I'm really happy and glad for it to be back."

The Town Moor course reopened after an 18-month closure to allow for the construction of a new stand - and for one Doncaster-trained jockey it was a dream come true.

Hayley Turner, aged 24, learnt her trade at the Northern Racing College in Rossington and, having already carved out a successful career on the track, she saddled up for the first race at the re-opened course for the first day of racing for nearly two years.

"It's great to be running in the first race at the new Doncaster track," she said.

"It's always nice to come back to Doncaster - it's where I first really decided I wanted to be a jockey and where I first learnt about racing. I love the course and it is a very special place for me."

Sadly Hayley, who rode second favourite Double on Red, didn't have a fairytale return - she was pipped to the post by 20-1 outsider Lady Jane Digby.

But one lady punter was delighted at the result of the two o'clock race. Sharon Parker, from Dunscroft, went from nags to riches by backing Lady Jane.

Sharon, who attended the meeting with niece Cassie, 21, said: "I'm not going to tell you how much I've won - it would just be bad luck! Let's just say I've got my stake for the next race.

"I'm so glad racing's back here. It's nice to see the course up and running again. Up to now it looks as if things are so much better than they were two years ago."

However, not all racegoers were quite so happy. On a hot August afternoon, quenching the thirst was at the top of many people's agenda.

Paul Berry, from Stainforth, said: "I'm a member and at the moment I'm a little disappointed - nobody seems to know what's going on and there's only one bar for members and it's a bit of a crush - as members I think you ought to get a little bit extra."

But racegoer Denise Richings-Dobbs wasn't going to let thirst get in the way of a good day at the races.

"I used to work here running the marquee for the trainers and jockeys and I love the place," she said. "The new stand is bigger, better - and just nicer - it's the creme de la creme!"

For

more pictures of the day log on to thestar.co.uk/pictures