Stylish racegoers wear eye-catching frocks as they hit York races for Ladies Day

FASCINATORS, sky-high stilettos and frills have kicked off the races with a bang in York today.

Glam racegoers wearing their finest frocks in all shades of the rainbow have cascaded into the Ebor Festival for their iconic Ladies day.

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Kickstarting the second day of the meet, the stylish revellers have taken centre stage at the famous racecourse.

More than 80,000 race enthusiasts are expected to flock to the tracks this week.

Away from the racetracks, daring heels and eye-catching jumpsuits and dresses are the order of the day.

And for those who particularly nail their look, a judging panel will be selecting the best-dressed attendees.

The York Gin Ebor Fashion Lawn returns for 2022 and the winner will walk away with some impressive prizes.

These include a luxury gin hamper, a £500 voucher to spend with The 8thSign and a VIP day for two at York’s 2023 Dante Festival.

The website says: “Combining fashion and fun, the catwalk is open to all and offers a chance to show off outfits whilst friends cheer from the front row.

“Standside racegoers will be able to watch and participate without the need to register before the day, with a judging panel selecting the most stylish racegoers across each day of the festival.”

The exciting festival has no set dress code, but women are encouraged to “sport dresses, high heeled shoes together with hats or fascinators”.

Guests are also reminded to dress “within the bounds of decency” and take inspiration from “wedding attire”.

The race website does add that “it’s most important that you feel comfortable and enjoy your day”.

It has been feared that rail strikes could pour misery on some poor punters this week.

The latest round of strikes over pay are due to take place on Thursday and Saturday.

York’s Ebor Festival began on Wednesday, with Ladies Day today.

The Festival promises to be a blockbuster with top class racing, and Friday sees what could be the final farewell to superstar stayer Stradivarius in the Lonsdale Cup.

York racecourse bosses have come up with a cunning plan to help racegoers, though.

A spokesperson said: “The scheduled national rail strikes are an inconvenience and so it is disappointing that the two sides are yet to reach a resolution.

“At no cost, it will be possible for vehicles to be left overnight in the car parks, at the owner’s risk, provided they are collected before 11am the next day.

“The coach connections to York are strong and will link with the frequent shuttle bus services at the rail station.

“York and the surrounding area benefits from a good supply of hotel rooms for those who might decide this is the prompt to extend their visit to the city and travel home the next day.

“The richest race of the four days is run on Wednesday when there is no strike, so sports fans can make plans to see the world’s highest rated horse, Baaeed, who is entered in the Juddmonte International.

“With Friday also clear of this particular challenge, then an early start to their weekend and a chance to say farewell to the mighty stayer, Stradivarius, has proven popular.”

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