Nail-biting racing and a glorious atmosphere filled Cartmel Racecourse today as thousands descended upon the venue for today's entertainment on the first day of the weekend's festivities.

In sizzling temperatures in South Cumbria, the racing lived up to the hype and as the temperature began to die down through the evening, the day continued to get better as Simply Red then took to the stage for some live entertainment.

In the opening race of this year's Cartmel meeting at 2:05pm, Kilronan Castle got the day off to a dramatic start fending off Jovial Joey by a nose to win the Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Novices' Hurdle.

The following race at 2:40pm, the Swan Hotel & Spa 'Confined' Handicap Hurdle was won by Tekthelot ahead of Boruma and Desert Cry.

In the Jennings Cumberland Ale Intermediate Handicap Chase at 3:15pm, Feast of Fire, ridden by Sean Quinlan stormed to glory ahead of Clues and Arrows in second, and the Evening Mail's tip, The Backup Plan, who came home third.

The Priory Hotel Beginners' Chase was next up at 3:50pm, with Altruism, ridden by Henry Brooke, held on well throughout the late stages of the race to scoop the victory.

Jockey Henry Brooke then made it a double-header of victories in the 4:25pm Burlington Stone Handicap Chase on Abbey Storm.

The Oakmere Homes Handicap Hurdle at 5pm was conquered by the bookies' favourite, Esthiaal, with the final race of the day at 5:35pm, the Hadwins Motor Group Mares' Handicap Hurdle, seeing Maggie Blue, ridden by Callum Bewley, scoop up the win to cap off the day's racing action.  

The remarkable day had yet another treat in store when music stars Simply Red took to the stage in front of a packed out crowd.

Mick Hucknall and co wowed fans at the racecourse on stage as scores of people gathered to enjoy the music of the pop icons.