Zara Tindall was elegant in a stylish tweed suit as she arrived at Cheltenham alongside her husband Mike for the third day of the races today.
The historic society event, which dates back to the early 19th century, has unveiled a new ‘inclusive’ dress code this year, which organisers hope will make spectators feel ‘confident and at-ease’ for their visit.
The King’s niece, 41, was effortlessly chic in the trendy jacket and trouser ensemble, pairing the look with a cool purple fascinator and matching bag.
She coordinated perfectly with Mike, who opted for a matching tie for the outing and appeared in high spirits at the event.
However she wasn’t the only person who donned a suit for the occasion today – with some guests showing off their brightest and most-colourful ensembles for the day of races.
Zara Tindall, 41, was elegant in a stylish tweed suit as she arrived at Cheltenham alongside her husband Mike for the third day of the races today
Presenter Charlotte Hawkins donned an eyecatching red ensemble as she lead the glamorous arrivals this morning
Among those who opted for an ultra-stylish look was Carol Volderman who wore an eyecatching blue coat with a fur collar
It’s party time! One group of girls were in high spirits as they arrived at the racecourse this morning side-by-side
Suits you! Many racegoers opted for bold and colourful suits for the occasion (left), with one donning a bright green jacket and pair of trousers ahead of St Patrick’s Day
A day to remember! One group of women opted for matching fedora hats as they posed for a selfie
It’s party time! Despite the racecourse relaxing it’s dress code, many guests still opted to wear ultra-glamorous ensembles for the big day out
Many appeared to have pulled out all the fashion stops for the annual event – and were getting into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day ahead of the celebration tomorrow
Many appeared to have pulled out all the fashion stops for the annual event.
Among those who opted for an ultra-stylish look was TV personalities Charlotte Hawkins, as well as Carol Volderman who wore an eyecatching blue coat with a fur collar.
Presenter Charlotte looked ravishing in red as she arrived for the festival earlier today.
She opted for a striking red dress for the occasion, donning a tartan jacket and a matching scarlet fascinator to top off her outfit.
Meanwhile Jade Holland Cooper, who was joined by her Superdry husband Julian Dunkerton at the event, opted for a striking beige houndstooth suit.
Many racegoers opted to brave the cold for the event, donning thigh skimming mini skirts for the big day out.
Meanwhile one racegoer appeared particularly keen to get into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day ahead of the celebration tomorrow.
He posed for snaps outside the racecourse wearing an eyecatching jacket covered in shamrocks, which he paired with a green pair of trousers.
The only sartorial advice offered up by the Festival this year is to prepare for the weather, asking those attending to bring their brollies and sensible footwear.
With St Patrick’s Day falling on Friday, the Festival has dedicated an entire village to serving up its patriotic drink, with early estimations suggesting some 220,000 pints of Guinness will be imbibed at the event
Feeling glam girls! One twosome showed off their finery as they arrived at Cheltenham wearing trendy outfits
Country chic! One set of girlfriends opted to add furry scarves to their outfits as they wrapped up from the cold weather
While there was the odd splash of fuchsia or pillarbox-red, many opted for Narnia-esque ensembles – with faux fur and suede proving popular among those making their way to the enclosures ahead of the first races.
Already much more relaxed than its racing peer Royal Ascot, Cheltenham organisers have been hoping to encourage a younger crowd to the society event, with jeans and trainers no longer looked down upon, and ‘come dressed to feel your best’ guidance in place.
This year’s official dress code, posted on the event’s website, outlines exactly what racegoers should consider when choosing an outfit.
It reads: ‘For some, wearing a nice sweatshirt, pair of jeans and clean trainers is what makes them feel confident and at-ease.
‘For others, they might prefer to turn heads with a sharp suit or glamorous dress and high heels, particularly for one of our big race meetings.
A royal kiss! Mike and Zara shared a peck in a rare public display of affection between the couple earlier today
The royal couple appeared loved-up during the event today in Cheltenham, which is their third day the races this week
The two could be seen beaming at the camera and looking into each others eyes as they posed for photographs today
Zara, whose fascinator perfectly coordinated with Mike’s tie for the races today, was beaming as she posed for a snap with her husband
Having a laugh! Zara, who is an Olympic equestrian, and Mike appeared in high spirits at the event
In a far cry from her usual coat dress attire, the royal mother-of-three opted for an ultra trendy tweed suit for the occasion
Meanwhile TV personality Carol opted for a baby blue coat with a thick black belt to accentuate her figure
Having a laugh! Carol was in high spirits as she arrived at the races earlier this morning with friends
Jade Holland Cooper, who was joined her Superdry husband Julian Dunkerton at the event, opted for a striking beige houndstooth suit for the occasion
Other celebrities to attend the races today included actor James Nesbitt, who arrived in a smart tweed jacket
The actor was smiling as he arrived at the racecourse alongside a host of other stars this afternoon
Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson was also in attendance at the racecourse this afternoon for the big day out
‘But whatever your tastes, the most important thing when choosing your outfit is, of course, comfort and confidence.
‘So wear what feels right for you and will keep you feeling your best from start to finish, whatever the weather.’
With St Patrick’s Day falling on Friday, the Festival has dedicated an entire village to serving up its patriotic drink, with early estimations suggesting some 220,000 pints of Guinness will be imbibed at the event.
‘And it would have been nice to have had a runner for the King and the Queen Consort, who were very much looking forward to the prospect of him lining up.’
Earlier this month, it was revealed that King Charles might attend the Cheltenham Festival for the first time in 17 years, to show support for a gelding bred by his mother that was set to run.
Many racegoers opted to brave the cold for the event, donning ultra-vibrant suits (left) and thigh skimming mini skirts for the occasion (right)
Here come the girls! One racegoer opted for a tweed dress with a plunging neckline as she stepped out for the festival today
With St Patrick’s Day falling on Friday, the Festival has dedicated an entire village to serving up its patriotic drink – and many revellers were dressed up for the occasion
Eyecatching! One guest opted for an over-the-top peacock feather fascinator and a turquoise coat for the outing
Getting ready to party! One woman appeared to be getting into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day ahead of tomorrow’s celebration
While there was the odd splash of fuchsia or pillarbox-red, many opted for Narnia-esque ensembles – with faux fur and suede proving popular among those making their way to the enclosures ahead of the first races
Here come the girls! One group of girlfriends dared to bare their legs in the cold March weather
Feeling fabulous! Despite the dress code relaxing at Cheltenham this year, many guests still opted for glamorous ensembles for the event
Racegoers were beaming with joy as they arrived earlier this morning ahead of the races this afternoon
Fun and fluffy! Many guests at the racecourse today opted to wrap up warm in furry coats and capes
However, this week, it was revealed that Steal a March won’t compete in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, which takes place today.
Trainer Nicky Henderson told the Racing Post: ‘He isn’t going to make it which is sad, very sad. We were hoping to get him to the race because it has been the plan for a while.’
Last year, the late Queen watched Cheltenham at home and, on her Platinum Jubilee weekend, she saw Steal a March win at Worcester, again watching from her Windsor home.
Cheltenham Racecourse director, Ian Renton, said it would ‘be a special moment in the history of the event if the King and Queen’ attended.
Already much more relaxed than its racing peer Royal Ascot, Cheltenham organisers have been hoping to encourage a younger crowd to the society event
Braving the cold! Some guests at the event didn’t appear to be put off by the cool March weather, donning mini skirts and thigh high boots for the day out
Let’s go girls! One group of friends took advantage of the relaxed dress code and opted for smart jackets with more casual jeans for the outing
Presenter Charlotte looked ravishing in red as she arrived for the festival earlier today. She opted for a striking red dress for the occasion, donning a tartan jacket and a matching scarlet fascinating to top off her outfit
Those arriving for the third day seemingly opted for a ‘snug’ dress code, hiding outfits under warm coats, hats and scarves
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