Action from the Restricted race at Aldington point-to-point Picture: Paul Amos

Big crowds who braved chilly conditions were rewarded with exciting racing at both the two big local Easter meetings.

The best finish in the Ashford Valley Hunt meet at Charing on Saturday came in the 12-runner incident-packed Restricted Race which resulted in a dead-heat.

Only five runners were left at the end. Welsh challenger Dunraven Prince and No Pain No Gain – making its seasonal debut from in-form trainer-jockey Philip Hall’s yard – battled it out down the hill for the final time.

A mistake at the penultimate fence by No Pain No Gain allowed Dunraven Prince to open up a six-length advantage and Hall appeared to accept defeat but the leader tired quickly after the final fence, with both horses passing the post together, with the judge unable to separate them.

Bilsington-based Libby Lawson won the opener with Mr Bed Bugs, while Will Hickman rode Day Time Run to victory in the three-mile maiden.

Jockey Jody Sole rode a double in the Bank Holiday Monday meeting at Aldington, winning the Restricted on Bit Of A Clown after market rival Lexington Town fell at the penultimate fence and the last race of the day, the Club Members on Crazy Eyes.

Hall partnered Adept Approach to a two-length victory in the Men’s Open, pulling away from Kent Grand National winner Freddies Return after they both jumped the last together.

Hall is now 35 points ahead in the jockeys’ title race with five meetings remaining.

The Southdown and Eridge Hunt stage their meeting at Godstone on Sunday. The course is situated a mile off M25 Junction 6. Entry is £10 per person with under-16s and car parking free.