IT WAS a Ladies’ Evening to remember for jockey Silvestre De Sousa at Salisbury on Saturday as the Brazilian rode a treble at the Netherhampton venue.

Over 6,500 people flocked to the racecourse for one of the social highlights of the year and it was De Sousa that rose to the occasion on the night with a quality performance in the saddle.

De Sousa opened his account aboard the well-fancied favourite, Letsbe Avenue in the Quality Marquee Hire Ltd Handicap for Salisbury’s leading trainer, Richard Hannon. In an enthralling finish, De Sousa dug deep aboard the favourite to cling on by a head.

This was followed by another picture perfect ride aboard Mick Channon’s Fannie By Gaslight who took the Party Continues At The Chapel Nightclub handicap by three quarters of a length; De Sousa completed the hat-trick aboard the heavily favoured Savaanah in the closing British Stallion Studs EBF “Ladies Evening” Fillies’ handicap for trainer Roger Charlton to round of a hugely successful visit.

Elsewhere on the card there were victories for Jim Crowley and Liam Keniry aboard Blackheath and Groveman respectively whilst Oisin Murphy rode a double on the card for two of racings most powerful owners: Qatar Racing Ltd. & Godolphin. Both Federal Law & Bedouin’s Story look to have a bright future ahead of them following comfortable victories in the Saunton Sands Hotel North Devon EBF Novice Stakes & Sovereign Wealth Management Stakes respectively.

Away from the track the focus was very much on the ‘Best Dressed’ competition with a variety of fantastic prizes on offer once again. After much deliberating over the course of the evening by the judges, Nikki Beavon walked away with the proud title of Salisbury racecourse “Best Dressed” for 2018!

There was a real feel good factor around the packed enclosures on Saturday and racegoers lapped up the warm sunshine and blue skies before congregating on the dancefloor to sing along to some of Robbie William’s greatest hits, courtesy of Lee Pashley.

Salisbury race again on Saturday July 28, where they host the ever popular Chapel X Salisbury races, tickets are still currently available online.