Great Leighs Racecourse opened to the public for the first time yesterday - and people went through the gates despite the bad weather.
The first public meeting of Britain's brand new racecourse since 1927 went ahead amid blustery showers and grey skies after only passing a British Horse Racing Authority inspection of a service road for official vehicles in the morning.
Since first racing on April 20, the track has not been open to general racegoers but a crowd of around 3,500 - including jockeys, trainers, owners and paying punters - gathered for public opening.
Renowned jockey Lester Piggott and racing commentator John McCririck, Animal Aid protestors, guests, the paying public and a mass of media were all there - some prepared for the mud and puddles by wearing wellies, but others donned high-heels.
For more, see today's Gazette.
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