Racing: PARTY IN PARK; Hamilton rocks on our fabulous family fun night.

Byline: GORDON BROWN

THE whole family were on a winner at a packed Hamilton Park last night.

The Sunday Mail's annual fun night again lived up to its name as parents, kids, grannies and grandpas took advantage of our great entry voucher.

The Lanarkshire course was rocking and there was such a demand for racecards they eventually ran out.

And as children munched their way through our fab goodie bags the serious punters were on the hunt for winners.

Course chief executive Morag Gray was delighted with the huge turnout and said: 'There is always a wonderful atmosphere on Sunday Mail fun night and this year has been no exception.

'But it's no wonder families flock here. The kids have been going crazy with the face paint, bouncy castle and all the special attractions we've laid on.

'The fancy dress parade was a cracker and in the end it was a dead-heat between a dragon and a clown although there were also excellent efforts from a nun, a princess and Spiderman.

'I'm sure the adults had another memorable night too and I just hope they managed to dig out some winners.'

We sponsored three races and Speed Dial Harry romped to victory in the Joe Punter Novice Auction Stakes.

But though the 7-4 second favourite wasn't entirely unfancied there were plenty of long faces as Ayr trainer Linda Perratt's odds-on Sweet Royale trailed in a dismal last - 20 lengths behind the winner.

Miss Perratt said: 'She might have been lame. She seemed okay and they decided to run but she was never happy. She's fine now and the vet can't find anything wrong with her.'

We used to slag off Mick Channon during his days in an England shirt but Scottish punters are taking a liking to the retired striker as a trainer. And he made a few more friends as Compton's Eleven landed our MailSport Classified Stakes.

It was the 'Windmill's' only runner of the evening and also the sole mount on the card for former champion apprentice Chris Catlin so the clues were there for the taking.

Catlin said: 'It's been worth the long trip up.'

Ragged Jack also justified his long trip from the south in the Sunday Mail Median Auction Stakes. Gerard Butler's Newmarket challenger was sent off at long odds on but had to be pushed out to win.

Meanwhile, Hamilton Park paid a massive tribute to the 5,000 Sunday Mail readers who saved Fair Friday night racing from the axe.

A heartfelt message said: 'Thank you. We couldn't have done it without you!'

The praise came just a week before the historic fixture takes place. This year's date was set to be chopped until the Sunday Mail mobilised its loyal readers.

There was a huge public protest demanding the British Horseracing Board retain the fixture threatened by racing taking place on the same night at English courses.

A 5,000-strong Sunday Mail petition helped change the BHB's mind. And on Friday the track will say thank you with a terrific night of action including a pounds 30,000 sprint handicap. First race is 6.50 but get there early.

CAPTION(S):

Winner: Deputy Sports Editor Billy Hannah (right) with Ragged Jack's Eddie Butler; Cheers: Sports Editor George Cheyne (left) with Speed Dial Harry's owner Lee Martin; Kids' play: Youngsters enjoy dressing up at our super, fun-filled family night at Hamilton