Thousands of people descend on Newmarket for QIPCO Guineas Festival

Racegoers during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

The meet attracts people from all over the world with a whole host of activities and entertainment to enjoy.

The feature race – The QIPCO 2000 Guineas – was won by Saxon Warrior (3-1) and gave trainer Aiden O’Brien a ninth victory over the Rowley Mile.

Racegoers during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

O’Brien’s son, Donnacha, rode the horse to victory, defeating 50-1 shot Tip Two Win by a length and a half, with favourite Masar a further head adrift in third.

The 19-year-old winning rider said: “It’s very special, I’ve got to say a huge thanks to dad and the owners for giving me the chance to sit on him and hopefully I didn’t mess up today.

Racegoers during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

“He’s an absolute monster of a horse so you never know, he could improve again.

“I was very impressed, I thought he was a very good horse even on his homework, we’ve made no secret of it, and I think he’s very, very good.”

Racegoers carry drinks during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

Racegoers enjoy drinks during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

Racegoers take a selfie during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

Saxon Warrior ridden by Donnacha O'Brien after winning the the Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

Symbolization ridden by William Buick (centre) wins the Qipco Racing Welfare Handicap during day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)