THOUSANDS of racegoers braved the strong winds and headed to Lockinge for the annual Point-to-Point meeting today.

The popular day out at the racetrack near Wantage once again attracted its share of both hardcore racing fans and families enjoying their Easter Monday.

The weekend's rain disappeared during the day as blue skies blessed those who had made their way to watch the fillies in action.

Among the racegoers were Chalgrove sisters Molly Hulcup, 10, Florence Hulcup, seven, and Edith Hulcup, six.

Their father Paul said: "It was a lovely day.

"We always like to support the event when possible.

"My wife and I have been coming since we were young, and our children have had a wonderful time."

Mother and son duo Sarah and Matthew Campbell came down from Cambridge for the day to enjoy the action.

Matthew, 10, said: "It was great fun, I really enjoyed it and even won a little bit of money."

His mother added: "I used to come here as a teenager and have been here for the last few years.

"It was a shame that there weren't as many competitors here as usual but I guess people were scared off by the weather.

"But we had a really lovely afternoon and some quite good races as well."

Going along with tradition, racegoers turned up hours before the first race to walk the course, often with drink and dog lead in hand.

Six races were held, each covering six miles of grass and 18 tough fences.

Two pony races were also organised, along with a dog show and more Easter family fun for families.

The Old Berkshire Hunt has hosted the event since 1830.

Event spokeswoman Harriet Rochester admitted numbers were down on last year but still ran in the thousands.

She said: "We've been absolutely delighted with the turnout, considering the weather we have had this weekend.

"It shows how the people of Oxfordshire have been defiant against Storm Katie.

"There have been some good winners as well, including quite a few local ones – which the crowd have enjoyed.

"There was a lot of people walking the track before the races started, they like to see what the challenge is for the riders."

This year, as well as their traditional hound pack, the Old Berks Hunt paraded their pack of Teckle hounds, who were tagged as the "sporting sausage dogs".

See page 37 tomorrow for the winners and reaction from Lockinge