THE Historic Ladbrokes Silver Bell Racenight was hailed a huge success at Hamilton Park Racecourse last week.

A night of fantastic racing and entertainment was enjoyed by over 5,000 racegoers in Lanarkshire.

The superb evening was kicked off by the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell SPFL Mascot Race – which was won by Hamilton Park Racecourse’s own mascot The Duke.

Motherwell’s Amber finished in second place with his pal Claret in third while Nuts The Killie Squirrel brought up the rear in last.

The Duke – who was designed by Erin Maxwell, a pupil at Chatelherault Primary School – had been 4/1 but was priced up to 25/1 after rumours of an injury. But he shook it off and won through.

Later in the evening the renowned Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Handicap Stakes (Class 3) was undoubtedly the top attraction on a card of high quality racing.

The historic trophy was won by trainer Mark Johnston’s Polarisation (3/1), ridden by jockey Joe Fanning.

The race’s trophy is believed to be the oldest sporting trophy in existence, having being gifted to the people of Lanark by King William ‘The Lion’ in 1165.

It is his fourth win in the £26,000 race in the last five years and his fifth since the renowned handicap arrived at Hamilton Park Racecourse in 2008.

Racegoers also enjoyed a real treat away from the track with a high-octane set from legendary DJ George Bowie and his GBXperience.

Vivien Kyles, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “Friday was a fantastic evening at Hamilton Park Racecourse.

“We had some brilliant racing with the historic Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Handicap Stakes, where special mention must go to winning trainer Mark Johnston. It is his fifth victory since the historic race arrived at Hamilton Park Racecourse and is worthy of huge congratulations.

“And of course who could forget the SPFL Mascot race, which was won by our very own mascot The Duke, while George Bowie and his GBXperience proved to be a great way to finish the evening.”