FINE weather and a big crowd ensured a terrific debut for the first Kent National at Folkestone Racecourse on Wednesday evening.

The new event, sponsored by Stop24, the UK's biggest motorway service area, saw a close battle for the nine strong field.

The honours went to Iris de Balme ridden by Mathew Batchelor with favourite The Gangerman third behind Topless.

The winner is owned by former football professional Lee Power.

There was a prize fund of £25,000 for the inaugural Kent National and Folkestone Racecourse commercial manager Emma Santer was delighted with the event.

"It was a terrific day with a great crowd and coincided with the opening of our new Seahorse Restaurant."

The National was over three miles seven furlongs with 22 fences. Folkestone Racecourse is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year.