MORE than 5,000 racegoers turned out for Salisbury Racecourse's opening meet - the Betfred City Bowl Day.

The curtain-raising Betfred ‘Like Us On Facebook’ Maiden (Division 1) produced a thrilling finish in which Roger Varian’s Newmarket raider, Ebony N Ivory, shed his maiden tag at the first time of asking under Frederik Tylicki.

Richard Hannon scored his obligatory winner as the classy Stormy Clouds obliged under Sean Levey in the Betfred ‘Home of Goals Galore Fillies’ Conditions Stakes. Levey barely moved a muscle aboard the odds-on favourite who travelled smoothly before being pushed out close home to record a third victory in as many years for connections in this race.

It is more than likely that Stormy Clouds has booked herself an appearance at Royal Ascot next month with this imperious display.

Jockey Stevie Donohoe and trainer Sir Michael Stoute combined to provide Her Majesty the Queen with a belated birthday present as Mainstream won the Betfred ‘Supports Jack Berry House’ Handicap, before Harbour Law denied the Queen’s Forth Bridge in the following Betfred ‘Goals Galore Extra’ EBF Stallions Maiden to win for Lauran Mongan and George Baker.

The feature race of the day, the Betfred “City Bowl”, was won by Brendan Powell’s Rideonastar who was the benefactor of a brilliant Martin Dwyer ride. Racing prominently, Rideonastar was sent to the front at the top of the Salisbury straight and kept finding for Dwyer who judged his ride to perfection, going on to win by one-and a-half lengths.

The final two races on the card saw Stuart Kittow’s Dilgura win the Betfred TV Fillies’ Handicap cosily under Matthew Cosham, whilst Victor’s Bet rounded out the card with victory for Ralph Smith and Miss Ella Smith in the Betfred Mobile Sports Lady Riders’ Handicap Stakes.

Clerk of the course Jeremy Martin said: “It was a pleasing start to the season. The sunny morning helped draw in the crowds and although it clouded over and went a bit chilly later on, I would say we are quite well up on last year’s attendance of 5,000."

Salisbury's next race is on on Thursday, May 12.