Ladies Day at the Races - Ladies and their hats - PHOTO mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Photo Agency UK Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 05/05/2009 - EQUESTRIAN - HORSE RACING - EXETER RACES - EXETER RACECOURSE, EXETER, DEVON

Julie Mackay, from Kingsteignton, was judged the best dressed lady at Exeter Ladies’ Night by a team of judges who included ex-international footballer David James and his Bristol City team mate Jamie Macallister, Mandy Persey from Hembury Court and Jo Ligthelm from Leonard Coombe Master Saddlers.

Twelve ladies made it to the final judging which took place in the paddock after the fifth race and second place went to Katie Mowll with Jasmine Hosgood, who works for local trainer Jimmy Frost, coming third. Best hat went to Claire West with Isaac Vassell winning the best dressed male competition.

More than £2,000 was raised during the evening for the charity the David James Foundation which was staging its first ever fund raising event. Jockeys Choc Thornton, Daryl Jacob, Tom Scudamore and Nick Scholfield all took to the stage with students from Bicton College who organised the fashion show, and a silent auction included a hand drawn picture of AP McCoy by David James.

The evening also featured the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate Final, with the Robert Chanin-trained Kirkleigh, who is owner bred by Sue Trump, beating Lucette Annie by a length and a quarter. Robert’s son Ian was in the saddle and the seven-year-old is trained at Thorverton in Devon.

A spokesman from the course said: “It was a really good night with a great atmosphere and fitting conclusion to our season at Exeter. We were very lucky with the weather with the rain holding off until after the last and we are really pleased we helped raise the profile of the David James Foundation.”

Exeter’s new season begins on October 11 and half year membership to its seven remaining meetings in 2012 is available for £80. Membership includes many benefits including free entry at reciprocal racecourses. Visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk for more details.