By Paul Ellison

Racegoers were treated to a racing spectacle to behold as Brighton’s three day Festival rolled into town.

Day one kicked off with a Jason Watson double, Grace Angel landing the opening contest for trainer Darryl Holland.

A former jockey himself, Holland is no stranger to Brighton’s Festival of Racing, having ridden a 4,142/1 four-timer here on Ladies Day in 2012.

Watson made it a quickfire double in race two, much to the joy of favourite backers, as Nelson Rose ran out a comfortable winner of the six-furlong contest.

The star of the opening day was undoubtedly course legend Uncle Dick, who bagged what had seemed an unlikely success in the Brighton Mile Challenge Trophy.

Slowly into stride, Eve-Johnson Houghton’s charge seemed to have plenty to do with a furlong left to run. However, the now seven-times course winner was merely biding his time before unleashing a storming late run to snatch victory in the shadows of the post.

Having cost just £600 yearling, Uncle Dick has proved an absolute star for connections, and has become quite the ally for young apprentice jockey Oliver Carmichael, providing him with his first win as a professional jockey last month and now his biggest winner to date in one of Brighton’s most historic races.

There was Sussex success on Day Two with victories for the Gary and Josh Moore stable, and the Jim and Suzi Best yard.

O.J. Lifestyle was a ready winner of the one-mile handicap under the silky handling of Tom Queally, who does particularly well for the Moores.

Joe Leavy guided Foinix to an easy success for the Bests, the second leg of a double for the jockey after landing the feature Brighton Challenge Cup, a race first run in 1849, aboard Lexington Knight for the Richard Hannon team. Leavy has really caught the eye this year, as has teenage sensation Jack Doughty, who piloted the first of two winners on the day for Tony Carroll - the Leading Trainer at this year’s festival.

The festival finale did not disappoint, and it was that man Leavy again who landed the spoils in the feature race - the Brighton Bullet.

This race is a test of speed and balance and Leavy’s mount Alcazan had all the answers as he danced to a cosy one and a quarter length success.

Elsewhere, a double for William Carson, adding to a winner on day one, was enough to earn him the title of Leading Rider for the festival.

Carson showed exceptional tactical nous as he delivered a remarkable front running ride aboard Secret Handsheikh for Sussex trainer John Gallagher. Carson made a bold move to bag the stands’ side rail and sent his mount for home with two furlongs to run.

His rivals had no answer and he scored by an astonishing eight and a half lengths.

All in all, Brighton’s Festival of Racing had everything we hoped - dramatic finishes, heartwarming success, fantastic entertainment on and off the track and even some sunshine!

Brighton’s next meeting is a summer afternoon fixture on Tuesday, August 20 - why not enjoy an afternoon of leisure and competitive sporting action?

Elsewhere, in-form West Sussex trainer David Menuisier made it five winners in August as Tribal Chief came late and fast to score at Kempton on Monday.

Another highlight of the Sussex racing scene is Ladies Evening at Fontwell Park, which takes place on Friday, August 30.

The track has celebrated its centenary this year and there will be further cause for celebration on what promises to be an action packed evening.

On the track, there will be some summer jumping action to enjoy as a host of equine athletes tackle Fontwell’s unique figure of eight course.

It’s an evening where sport meets style, the perfect excuse to get all dressed up - you could even win one of the style awards that’ll be up for grabs.

If competitive racing and the chance to adorn your Sunday best isn’t enough, there’ll also be some fantastic live music, with a V2 radio DJ set and the fabulous Abba tribute ‘Revival’ performing after racing. Mamma Mia, what more could you ask for?