SANDOWN Park hosted a packed weekend of racing action, with the Grand Military Raceday and Sunderlands Imperial Cup Day drawing in the crowds.

More than 4,000 punters turned out for the Grand Military Gold Cup on Friday, with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal presenting the trophy to the winning jockey, Captain A. Michael.

The Sunderlands Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle Race on Saturday was won by Ashkazar, ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe.

Pipe also triumphed in the same race last year, and could now collect a £75,000 bonus from bookmakers Sunderlands should Ashkazar go on to win a race at this week's Cheltenham Festival.