KENT has answered the call for support of the county's only horse racing track magnificently.

The crowds turned out to produce a bumper crowd for the annual Headline Race Day supported by the Kent Messenger Group stable of award-winning newspapers and BBC Radio Kent on the old Folkestone course.

They proved that despite fears it could be lost after more than a century of proving the sporting thrills for the generations of local punters, they want it to stay and flourish.

The owners needed confirmation that the public is still prepared to back local live racing. The `use it or lose it' call earlier this year was no idle threat from Arena Leisure, but with such growing support it should be safe, and they might be persuaded to update and develop facilities.

Racing may be known as the sport of Kings but Westenhanger provides a perfect venue to attract people from all walks of life that love their day at the races. More than 3,000 packed the grandstands with many holidaymakers arriving early to picnic near their vehicles beside the course.

Those soaking up the special friendly atmosphere were treated to a series of thrilling finishes on the seven race card.