Ladies Day : A Celebration of Style and Sport
Ladies Days are arguably the most glamorous, and most awaited of all of the fixtures of the British horse racing calendar. They can be held on almost any racecourse in the UK, and essentially represent an excellent day of quality horse racing, accompanied by a celebration of female fashion (not that the gentlemen don’t also make efforts with their outfits!). While some Ladies Days are treated with much more importance than others, all focus on the elegance of the occasion. This combination of top quality racing, enjoyable frivolities and the opportunity to dress up in style means that horseracing reaches far beyond its usual audience.
The larger, more notable Ladies Days take place on some of the main racing festival days; Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, for example, is one of the most significant racing events in the world, whereas at the Grand National Festival (at Aintree) and the Ebor Festival (at York) it is also one of the most prestigious. Stylish hat and fascinator fashions compete strongly for attention with the fantastic quality of the horses on display. Apart from those specified above there are many other racecourse Ladies Days, with their corresponding competitions where, amongst other things, prizes are awarded to those dressed with the most panache with the racing from Chester and Goodwood to Ayr and Beverley all adding to a great deal of local charm.
Crowds may turn up as much for the day itself, as the racing (like on ‘Newmarket Nights’ when there is music). Behind the glamorous facades however, there is still the opportunity for excellent quality races and so the racing purist should not miss out either.
The traditions may have importance to Ladies Day events, however the proceedings do not always remain solely solemn; a costume which may cause smiles (male or female!), brings a touch of lightness to the occasion. The underlying theme is of course enjoyment and in whatever racing, or location it takes place Ladies Day certainly creates the perfect mixture of elegance, quirkiness, British style and the highest quality of horse racing.