Things got off to a raucous start yesterday, so it’s no surprise guests were in high spirits as the descended on York Racecourse this morning for a third day of fun.
Champagne was already flowing by midday as the sun blazed down on glamorous racegoers at the Dante Festival on Friday as festivities got underway.
Equestrian lovers donned their finery, with a parade of vibrant outfits on display – from bold patterns to vibrant florals and towering titfers – after the gates opened for The MansionBet Yorkshire Cup.
Racing kicks off just after 2pm today, starting with the five-furlong Fillies’ Stakes and culminating in the Class 4 Handicap which sees some £20,000 up for grabs.
It’s fab Friday! Things got off to a raucous start yesterday, so it’s no surprise guests were in high spirits as the descended on York Racecourse this morning for a third day of fun, donning their very best headgear and sipping on alcohol
And they’re off! Stylish couples touch down in York this morning. Racing kicks off just after 2pm today, starting with the five-furlong Fillies’ Stakes and culminating in the Class 4 Handicap which sees some £20,000 up for grabs
Here come the girls! Ladies donned colourful florals, teamed with towering heels and eye-catching millinery as they arrived at the racecourse for a day of equestrian fun
The Dante Festival is a three-day race meeting, considered one of the highlights in the equestrian calendar, with prize money totalling £1.2million up for grabs this year.
Security has been tightened up this year following the infamous brawls at Ascot and Goodwood in recent weeks.
Sniffer dogs, increased police presence and more visible stewarding have been brought in to prevent a repeat of the ugly fights that broke out last year.
A spokesman for York Racecourse said: ‘We are not complacent. We have reconsidered the balance between how many stewards we have smartly dressed, and those being distinctive.
‘We have changed that balance for these few days.’ However, they insisted that there was no need for major changes as the existing plans had factored in increasing sniffer dogs and police officers at the track.
The spokesman added: ‘We didn’t feel the need to make wholesale changes to a three-day, weekday meeting.’
Fashionable spectators descend on York Racecourse on Friday as day three gets off to a sunny start. Equestrian lovers donned their finery, with a parade of vibrant outfits on display – from bold patterns to vibrant florals
Suited and booted: A trio of stylish male friends arrive. Sniffer dogs, increased police presence and more visible stewarding have been brought in to prevent a repeat of the ugly fights that broke out last year
No time to waste! Champagne was already flowing by midday as the sun blazed down on glamorous racegoers at the Dante Festival on Friday as festivities got underway (pictured: one woman takes advantage of the hospitality)
There may be no prizes for best dressed, but that didn’t stop guests from putting on a glamorous display, with some elaborate headgear on show. Pictured: One woman teams her ice blue dress with a feather netted creation
Some guests played it safe and sipped on Yorkshire Tea instead. The Dante Festival is a three-day race meeting, considered one of the highlights in the equestrian calendar, with prize money totalling £1.2million up for grabs this year
One couple found a comfy spot – equipped with binoculars and a guide to the day’s events – on Friday morning. Sniffer dogs, increased police presence and more visible stewarding have been brought in to prevent a repeat of the fights that broke out