PUNTERS turned out in force as top jockey Daryl Jacob marked the opening of a new betting shop in Weymouth.

With three premises in Poole, Parkstone and Bourne-mouth, Dorset-based bookmakers Jem Racing now have a fourth branch in St Thomas Street.

An open day was held at the new shop, with special guest Jacob, who rode Neptune Coll-onges to victory in this year’s Grand National, the main attraction.

And Martin Johnstone, managing director of Jem Racing, was delighted with the public’s response, as well as the performance of the Irish jockey.

He said: “Daryl was really good. He talked to a lot of people and spoke about his experience of winning the Grand National, as well as some of the problems they faced in that race.

“He fielded questions from people on horses to follow and the best horses he has ridden. He got on well with everyone and went round signing autographs for people.

“I was surprised to see how many people turned out, the place was packed.”