HEREFORD Racecourse punters were celebrating a local winner on Tuesday as the Ullingswick trained Eastern Lady won the Mares Handicap Chase.

Trained by Richard Price, the six year old was opposed by six rivals over the two and a half mile trip and despite looking in trouble at the halfway point stayed on well for jockey Ben Poste to win two and a half lengths and this was the mares first victory in 21 race attempts.

The St Michael's Hospice Charity Raceday was the last of the season at Hereford and raised over £43,000.

Worcestershire trainer Ian Williams is consistent over both national hunt and flat codes and sent out 11/4 favourite Tick Tock Boom in the extended three mile mares handicap hurdle. The favourite gave her backers a scare as she looked beaten on the final bend only to run on well and score by a length and three-quarters from runner-up Little Millie.

Byton trainer Kerry Lee turned rider for the day to partner her stables Top Gamble in the Charity Flat race and despite not being involved in the finish was delighted at the money raised.

She said: “This was all about the taking part and I couldn't be more delighted that myself and all the other riders involved have raised so much money for a very worthy cause.”

However, she added that she wouldn't be returning to the saddle anytime soon.

A delighted Racecourse Executive Director Rebecca Davies later expressed a wish that next season the racecourse would see additional fixtures handed to the venue.