CARTMEL’S May Bank Holiday meeting culminated with another glorious day of racing that included three photo finishes and a family triumph in the Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase.

The fifth race of the day, the Open Hunters Steeple Chase, was sponsored by Christopher Leigh in celebration of his retirement from 20 years of point-to-point commentating and it was won by one of his close friends, trainer Alan Hill.

Hill, who trains horses with his wife Lawney celebrated victory in the three-mile race with Man of Steel.

Anthea Morshead, who is Clerk of the Course for Cartmel, York and Kelso said: “The horse was a really prolific winner for the track, having recently won at Fakenham and it worked out wonderfully that Alan was able to win the race sponsored by Chris.”

The Hill family had another reason to celebrate as it was their son Joe Hill who rode 11-8 favourite Man of Steel to victory.

Hill and his wife have been mentoring former GB Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton for the past year as she pursued her dream of becoming a national hunt jockey, along with champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

There was a second family success in the final Marston’s Pedigree Conditional Jockey’s Handicap too when a father-son combination stormed to victory again with 13-2 second favourite Ash Park.

Stuart Coltherd, trainer and his son Sam Coltherd, jockey, enjoyed their day at the Lake District track after travelling down from the Scottish borders.

Stuart Coltherd said: “Ash Park just seems to keep improving, Sam took his time with him today and we had a great result.

“We really enjoy coming down to Cartmel.

“I think we have only had one winner here before so today was fantastic.”

The sun-baked crowds were kept on the edge of their seats as the first, second and fifth races were all closely contested until the very last moment meaning three photo finishes to round off a fabulous few days of racing at Cartmel.