It's billed as #AmazingMonday and Carlisle Racecourse's ladies night certainly lived up to its name.

Thousands of people put on their posh frocks and high heels for a top night of racing and music at Cumbria's most stylish sporting event.

The glamorous event is not only one of top social dates on the calendar each year but is the world's only all-female jockey race meeting and a wonderful celebration of inspirational women in sport.

Enjoying the night with a group of friends was 17-year-old Clare Holliday from Longtown. She said: "This is the first time we have come. We just come for a day out with the girls."

Sam Cook, 43, and Hilary Singleton, 40, from the Crindledyke area of Carlisle said: "We come every year. We like getting dressed and glammed up."

Among all the ladies at the event it was seven-year-old Darcie Saffill, from Workington, who took centre stage.

She had a race named after her and was treated as a VIP after coming out on top in a News & Star competition to find north and west Cumbria's most amazing lady.

Darcie was nominated after saving her mum Hayley's life after she suffered an epileptic fit. The youngster was greeted by Amazing Monday ambassador and Olympic hockey star Sam Quek.

After meeting little Darcie, Sam said: "I'm really passionate about women in sport and with me being a racing fan, anything I can do to help I will.

"The Jockey Club - owners of Carlisle Racecourse - have been incredible with that, especially with their development fund which is a huge statement."

Any jockey who rides a winner at #AmazingMonday and then goes on to triumph in the Betfred Ladies’ Trophy Handicap Stakes at Haydock Park on Saturday – will win £20,000 and the Jockey Club North West’s special Development Award for female jockeys.

The award – launched at #AmazingMonday last year – was won for the first time by Cumbria’s very own Emma Sayer, 25, from Hackthorpe, near Penrith.

After the racing was wrapped up racegoers could either celebrate their winnings or drown their sorrows with an after party hosted by BBC DJ Jo Whiley.

* Full picture special in Tuesday's News & Star.