WHETHER you chose your horse because of the colour of its coat, because the jockey's strip matched the colours of your football team, or even perhaps because the form guide said it was a screaming success, it seemed that everyone at Skipton Races was in with a chance of picking a winner.

Skipton's Point to Point races at Funkirk Farm, Carleton, on Saturday once again proved a huge success with about 6,000 people turning out to enjoy the fun.

Event organiser Tom Bannister said there had been a great atmosphere throughout the event and everything had run smoothly. He thanked all the sponsors including the main contributors Broughton Hall Business Park.

This was only the second time the historic event had been held at Funkirk Farm but Mr Bannister hoped it would be held there again next year, with an even bigger race programme.

Everywhere you turned there were people using their own tried and tested methods to pick their favourites.

Children armed with their pocket money chose their favourite names alongside those more in the know who, with fists full of cash, carefully studied the guides.

The totes were kept busy throughout the afternoon with the lucky winners collecting their cash. For the novices the helpful bookies were on hand to explain the betting system.

To help visitors pick the winners all the horses were walked around the parade ring so that they could be seen close up before punters put money on them.

Once all bets were placed, everyone clutching their betting slips made their way to the race track to secure the best position to see their horse.

Most gathered at the last hurdle to cheer their horses along the final stretch of the three-mile race.

Wherever you watched from you could see the horses around most of the route even if some of it was from a distance.

If you still could not tell who had won at the end of the races, the winners were announced over the loud-speaker system and presentations made to the winning jockeys in the paddock.

The field was a little wet and muddy underfoot due to the previous days' rain, but sensible visitors turned out in their wellies and raincoats ready to brave the elements.

And although the day stayed fine for most of the afternoon the clouds burst just before the final race at about 4.30pm.

There were plenty of places to take cover in the drinks and food tents but there were many people who did not want the fun to end and just put their hoods and brollies up.

In addition to the racing there were games and rides for children and agricultural themed stands for adults.

There were plenty of refreshment stalls but many families chose to bring their own picnics or barbecues.

Parking at the event appeared well organised and there were plenty of marshals about to make sure cars were lined up properly and able to leave the ground easily at the end of the day.

Results were: hunt members - 1 Victoria's Boy (D Coates), 2 Cadrillon (JE Foster), 3 JR Kay (N Bannister). Confined - 1 Stoney River (N Kent) 2 Erzadjan (L Bates), 3 Valigan (J Tate). Ladies' Open - 1 Sally Scally (T Jackson) 2 Monkey Ago (J Foster), 3 Wandering Light (M Barlow). Men's Open - 1 Dorans Magic (N Bannister), 2 To-Day To-Day (J Tate), 3 Son of Anshan (G Tuer). Club members' restricted race - 1 Mighty Willing (G Brewer), 2 Wilfie Wild (L Ward), 3 Gaucho (T Jackson.) Open maiden - 1 Purple Jean (G Brewer), 2 Madmidge (N Kent), 3 Sams Way (P Kinsella.)