Worthingtons Armed Forces Day at Newbury Racecourse was a great success this Saturday with brilliant action on the track complemented by an array of attractions and activities.

Special guest Group Captain Claire Walton from the Royal Air Force officially launched the 2013 Berkshire Poppy Appeal at 12.30pm. Group Captain Clare Walton has served as Commanding Officer of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court, the UK’s premier military rehabilitation facility.

The big winners of the day were Piping Rock, who gave trainer Richard Hannon a record seventh win in The Worthington’s Whizz Kid Stakes (Horris Hill) Group 3, and Cubanita who landed The Worthington’s Champion Shield & Victoria Club Stakes (St Simon) Group 3.

Piping Rock (3/1) ran out a cosy victor, beating French favourite Galiway by 2 3/4 lengths. Cubanita (9/2) outbattled 7/4 favourite Nichols Canyon in a thrilling finish.

The tug of war competition was hugely popular, as teams from the Armed Forces went head-to-head to scoop the cider prize donated by the day’s sponsor, Worthington’s. The winners were the 4 Logistics Support Regiment from Abingdon.

Alongside Harry the Horse and his funfair the military vehicle display was a real treat with some classics from military history.

Stephen Higgins, Managing Director at Newbury Racecourse, commented: “We’re always proud to show our support for the armed forces and this afternoon was a great way to sign off the Flat season here.

“The racing was great, the crowd really enjoyed themselves and the weather behaved itself – nearly!”