To my other side, there's an old punk - mohican haircut, raggy Ramones t-shirt, leather jacket and faded denims. Welcome, dear reader, to what happens when you get ska-pop legends Madness to play a racecourse.

Whatever the attire on show tonight - and there was everything from skewiff hats, acres of bare flesh to middle-aged men wearing bright red fezzes - there were 15,000 people crammed into Town Moor. And fuelled by wins (or losses) and a skinful of ale, everyone was up for a party.

Needless to say, Suggs and co don't disappoint. It's a high-spirited, high-powered romp through all the hits. Kicking off with One Step Beyond, virtually every base of the Nutty Boys' lengthy chart career is covered - It Must Be Love, Baggy Trousers, House Of Fun, Our House - it's just one hit after enough - and the crowd - which seems to range from 18 months to 80 lapeed up each and every sweet pop gem on offer.

By the time the finale of Night Boat To Cairo comes round, the turf underfoot was getting more action than if being trampled by hooves by the frenetic ska-dancing of men who perhaps should know better.

But one thing's for certain, even though there may well have been a few aches and pains come the following day, Madness still know how to have a party - whoever their guests might be.

Winners by a furlong.

* Darren Burke