over 700 spectators at the Vesey Street track.

And there was plenty to celebrate for Michael DeCosta and Murray Terceira as each rode off with a bundle of cash -- $600 and $400 respectively -- after winning the three and four-year-old stakes races.

Meanwhile, John Flood received a gleaming trophy and cooler chest as his prize after seizing the two-year-old title driving Grand Willy, owned by Ellie Wilson.

DeCosta guided Custom Eyes'd to the winners' circle and Terceira had the good fortune of handling the reins of Carolina Jubilee.

A plunge by Custom Eyes'd in the run-up to the final dash caused a restart and also cost DeCosta the pole position during the three-year-olds' race, but despite being placed on the outside as a result, the pair managed to come from behind to overtake Todd's Ebony (Timmy Boyles) and hold on to the finish.

Todd's Ebony placed second followed by Trotacre Abby Lass (Eddie Moniz Jr.) in third place. Due to a lack of two-year-old entries, Grand Willy took first in the category despite placing fourth in the same race.

Carolina Jubilee claimed her prize in fine style, starting from the pole and leading the entire distance to finish almost three seconds ahead of Melody Time (John Flood), with Abby Dabby Doo (William Madeiros) a disappointing third.

Regular racing saw a number of double winners, including Just A Gigolo (Michael Roberts), Direct Toy Boy (Michael Roberts), Spencer's Taylor Maid (Charles Whited Sr.), V Six (Andrea Westerfield), Paceway Debutante (David Mello), Mowtown Scott (Dale Lehman) and Eddie the Great (Michael DeCosta).

Monday also witnessed the retirement of local legend Charger's Rob Roy.

Charger, as he is known, was flanked by his two sons Just A Gigolo and Direct Toy Boy, as commentator David Lopes read a touching tribute to the 18-year-old veteran of both the PHC and Vesey Street tracks, before being led away by owner William Madeiros.

The next race day will be on New Year's Day starting at 1 p.m.