Plumpton Racecourse transformed into a place of enchantment and festivity, welcoming racegoers, and families to celebrate the holiday season in style at the Festive Fun Raceday, writes Emily Gailey.

The thrill of horse racing met the warmth of Christmas cheer.

A day of more than just racing, we celebrated togetherness and tradition.

Off the track there was an abundance of festive fun. We immersed ourselves in the holiday spirit, getting our last-minute Christmas presents at the mini market and saying hello to Santa’s off duty reindeer!

Goodwin landed the opener for Chris Gordon, under a great front-running ride from Rex Dingle in The Revived Inn Novices’ Hurdle Race for Goodwin Racing.

Oxygen kept on well for another win for the in-form Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch in The Harry Philips Birthday Novice’s Handicap Steeple Chase for the DTTW Partnership.

Fierce Warrier powered on strongly to take the lead late in the Eleanor Hunnisett Memorial Maiden Hurdle for Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson, owned by Middleham Park Racing.

Milan Ridge won for a second time over hurdles for trainer Sarah Humphrey and owners Liz Reid and Partners under Daryl Jacob in The G.E.White and Sons Agricultural Handicap Steeple Chase.

Charlie Deutsch rode his second winner of the day in The In Memory of Susan Corrigan Handicap Hurdle, on Commanding View for Mel Rowley and P & T Andrews/M & S Carroll.

Sir Rock battled gamely under Tom Cannon to take the Weatherbys Birdie Calendars Handicap Steeple Chase for Toby Lawes Racing and the Henfold Rockers.

In the final race, The Strong Flavours Mare’s Open National Hunt Flat Race, Lady D’Arbanville returned with a smart performance to give Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson a double.

The day ended with Christmas carols in the parade ring, the perfect closure to 2023.