The Princess Royal was at Worcester Racecourse to celebrate its 300th Anniversary.

Princess Anne unveiled a plaque to celebrate 300 years of racing at the historic Pitchcroft site, presented trophies and met former jockey legends.

Worcester Racecourse spokeswoman, Jenny Cheshire, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Princess Royal to Worcester Racecourse today to celebrate 300 years of racing and to present the trophy for the Arctic Spas Steeple Chase.”

After an 85-year absence, the Worcester Grand Annual Steeple chase was brought back to life on the racecourse today, with jockey Jonathan Burke and horse Bestwork stealing the winning title.

The historic race ran from 1836-1933 and was one of the most important races in the National Hunt Calendar, producing winners such as Bourton in 1853 who went on to win the Grand National in 1854.

Princess Anne’s connections with Worcester Racecourse stretch back to 1987 when she rode her own horse Croc Na Cuille, winning the three-mile Droitwich Handicap Chase.

Also at the Racecourse were several former racing legends, including Joe Mercer, Stan Mellow, Ian Watkinson, Jimmy Lindley, John Fracome and Brough Scott, who took part in a special anniversary dinner and auction in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fun (IJF).