Revellers at Chester Races were determined to showcase their fashion prowess today, despite the inclement weather.
It’s the first day of the annual Boodles May Festival, billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’, and attendees were determined to put their best foot forward.
Umbrellas proved to be the number one accessory of the day, but the damp and chilly conditions didn’t deter eager female punters from dressing up to the nines in a series of show-stopping outfits.
Pulling out all the stops, glamorous guests sported a range of colourful mini dresses, trouser suits and jumpsuits – all topped off with towering heels as many showcased their enviably-toned legs.
Around 50,000 racegoers are expected to descend on this year’s three-day meeting after it was cancelled back in 2020 before returning in 2021 with a reduced number of spectators due to the Covid pandemic.
All smiles: It’s the first day of the annual Boodles May Festival, billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’, and attendees were determined to put their best foot forward
With Chester operating a far less strict dress code than other racing events, such as Royal Ascot, revellers took full advantage of the relaxed sartorial guidelines as they gathered for the annual race meeting.
Many attendees donned thigh-grazing ensembles, while others commanded attention when opting for plunging necklines.
Each stand at Chester Racecourse adheres to a specific dress code policy. If you’re in the Chester Members and Private Hospitality area, there is a ‘strictly smart’ style guide, with ladies encouraged to don longer length skirts and dresses, chic trousersuits and statement hats.
The Winning Post and County Long Room and Concourse enclosures suggest a ‘dress to impress’ mentality, recommending clutch bags, fascinators and mix-and-match colour schemes.
Fashion’s front-runners: Many attendees donned thigh-grazing ensembles, while others commanded attention when opting for plunging necklines
Think pink! Charlotte Dawson opted for an off-the-shoulder pink dress, teamed with a matching bag and headpiece
Love Island’s Maria Wild and Sophie Piper were also at the annual three-day event, showcasing their stylish ensembles
Working it! Maria and Sophie posed up a storm as they arrived at the races, oozing elegance in their sophisticated dresses
Charming: And it wasn’t just the ladies that made an effort, with the men also sporting elaborate or smart ensembles. Pictured right, Jockey Frankie Dettori
The Tattersalls enclosure urges guests to ‘make a statement’ with their outfits, listing jumpsuits and tailored shorts, maxi dresses and headbands and hair accessories as strong choices.
The most casual stands are the Dee and Open Course, where relaxed summer dresses, shorts and T-shirts and sunglasses are welcomed.
The opening day of the festival features Cheshire Oaks and Chester Vase races, with £100,000 prize money at stake for the latter.
Thursday is Ladies Day, featuring the Dee Stakes and Ormonde Stakes, while the final day will feature The Chester Cup, with the winnings set at £150,000.
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