The most colourful outfits spotted at Cheltenham Ladies’ Day

As Cheltenham Ladies’ Day is upon us, here are all of the boldest and brightest looks spotted at the races

Thursday 16 March 2023 10:24 EDT

Thousands gather for first day at Cheltenham festival

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Every year on Cheltenham Festival Ladies’ Day, guests flock to the racecourse in their boldest dresses and colourful hats.

The fashion extravaganza falls on the second day of the festival, Wednesday 15 March.

While there’s no obligation to be dressed to the nines on Ladies’ Day, the long-standing tradition is a chance for race-goers – particularly the women attendees – to sport their best outfits.

This year, however, guests at the races had the option to adhere to a new, more relaxed dress code that has been introduced by the Jockey Club with the intention of “encouraging mediocrity”.

The club argues that changing the dress code will make racing more “accessible and inclusive”.

Before the opening of the festival, the jockey club’s chief executive, Nevin Truesdale, said in a statement that the idea was to show that racing “is for everyone”.

Here’s a rundown of the boldest, most colourful outfits spotted at the Cheltenham Festival 2023 so far:

A pair of guests match each other in bold fuchsia coats and extravagant, structural headdresses.

Robin Hood but make it chic: Carol Voderman at Cheltenham (PA)

TV personality Carol Vorderman channels horseriding chic on day two of the races, wearing a riding coat, jodhpurs and knee-high boots in neutral brown tones.