Veteran owner Peter Tipples was the toast of an Easter Saturday crowd at Charing as Soldershire gave him his first taste of victory in around a decade.

Ridden by trainer-rider Rose Grissell, Soldershire just held onto his lead in the Ladies Open as they passed the judge with Ballyrainey catching him with every stride.

Now in his 86th year, Tipples, from Marden, has been a great supporter of the sport and Soldershire was a popular winner – it was his owner’s first win in 10 years, leading to much celebration.

There was also a tight finsh in the Maiden where Prince Rodney just held on to win by a neck from the fast finishing Dr Sparrow, who is worth noting for the future.

For Prince Rodney’s trainer David Philan, this was his first success since moving to his new yard at Brook.

Charing is a lucky course for the Tindall yard, who sent out Say Grace in the Restricted and Letterman in the Men’s Open. Both triumphed.

There was another wonderful day at Aldington on Monday and although again the number of runners was again low, there were several close finishes.

William Hickman, aged 17, was the top scoring jockey, taking the Novice Riders Race on 6/4 chance Lord ‘N’ Master, pulling off the first training double for his mother Alison, as she had trained the previous race winner in the Restricted, Man from Moscow.

Hickman completed his winning double on Prince Rodney, in the Members, having won on him at Charing.

Hayley Moore, having only her second ride, partnered Sheriff’s Friend, to a five-length win in the Ladies Open.

Trainer Chris Lawson saddled Hatsnall to win the Men’s Open for owner William Poulton.

It was red letter day for Henry Miller winning his first race, riding Master Shuil in the Open Maiden.

This weekend it’s the turn of the East Sussex and Romney Marsh, who hold their meeting at Catsfield, near Battle, starting at 2pm on Sunday, April 19, preceded by pony racing due off at 12.30pm.