Glamorous racegoers donned their finery for Ladies Day at the Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey this morning.
Making the most of the barmy weather, elegant women dressed to the nines in high heels, flowing summer frocks and elaborate hats stepped out for the day of festivities.
Typically the most glamorous day of the festival, many opted to make a nod to the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations with their outfits, donning red, white and blue – while one woman wore a smart Union flag themed fascinator and matching bag for the occasion.
The event is usually attended by the monarch, 96, however she is planning to miss the Epsom Derby tomorrow for just the third time of her reign in order to ‘pace herself’ for the ongoing Platinum Jubilee festivities.
Instead, the Queen will watch the famous race on television from the comfort of Windsor Castle.
Glamorous racegoers donned their finery for Ladies Day at the Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey this morning
Making the most of the barmy weather, the well-dressed punters sported stunning summery frocks and elaborate hats for the day of festivities
Many opted to make a nod to the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations happening today (left, one woman wore a smart Union flag themed fascinator, and right, one gentleman in a themed waistcoat and tie)
Putting on a leggy display! Some racegoers opted for bold and bright outfits for the occasion, pairing statement dresses with vibrant accessories
Pop the bubbly! Many revellers quickly got into the spirit of things at the event and could be seen cheering on the horses as the festivites got underway
Winner, winner! One man thrust his fist into the air with joy as he watched the races get underway this afternoon
Elaborate headwear was the order of the day for many, with oversized hats and flamboyant fascinators adorned with feathers, flowers and frills spotted in the enclosure.
And while all eyes are on the runners and riders of the day, the competition also provides the oppurtunity for the ladies attending to fight it out for who is best dressed on the other side of the fence.
The judges look for style, creativity and originality in an outfit, as well as attention to detail and appreciation of current fashion trends.
As well as £1,000 in cash, the winner also receives a two night stay at a hotel and hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers.
There was a solemn moment as jockey Ryan Moore placed a wreath at the statue of Lester earlier this morning to honour the late racing star
Jockey Ryan Moore laid a reef on the statue of the recently departed Lester Piggott, for whom the race will be run in honour of tomorrow. Lester’s daughter Maureen watched on (right). It will be the first time in the 242-year history of the Classic that it has been dedicated to an individual
Revellers attending the event earlier today went on to take part in a minutes applause for former jockey Lester Piggott
Elaborate headwear was the order of the day for many, with oversized hats and flamboyant fascinators adorned with feathers, flowers and frills spotted in the enclosure
A sea of colour! Many of the women attending the event today opted to wear bright and vibrant ensembles as they stepped out for the big day out (left and right, a group pose with a cardboard cut out of the Queen)
Getting into the spirit of things! One group of ladies sipped on champagne as the races began earlier this morning, donning hats to shield themselves from the barmy weather
Soaking up the atmosphere! Many appeared in high spirits to be attending the races earlier, which are taking place today and tomorrow at Epsom
Taking a seat before the action begins! Ahead of the races started, one group of women sat down to take in the excited atmosphere at the race course
Look Mum, we’re matching! One pair of young girls were dressed in identical purple plait dresses at the event, which was coordinated with floral shoes and a blue fascinator
A swing band greeted attendees of the festival as they walked into the ground of the racecourse earlier this morning
Strike a pose! Mark Heyes and Charlotte Hawkins snapped a picture with drag artist Cherry Valentine (centre) at the event today
Making a statement! Drag Queen Cherry Valentine was among the revellers who appeared overjoyed to be attending the big event today
Revellers quickly began to fill up the stands on Ladies Day during the Cazoo Derby Festival 2022 at Epsom Racecourse, Surrey
A real statement! Many of those attending the big day appeared to be battling it out for the best dressed award, opting for over-the-top hats and fascinators (left and right)
But who will be crowned Best Dressed? One woman wore a strapless lilac gown for the outing which she paired with black accessories (left), while Drag Artist Asifa Lahore opted for a statement ensemble for Ladies Day (right)
It is therefore of little surprise racegoers were keen to pull out all the stops when it came to their looks, pushing the boundaries with outfits that were both creative and elegant.
Popular cold-shoulder and strappy dress styles allowed many women to flash a hint of skin without putting too much on display.
Many donned frocks in vibrant hues of pinks and reds, while some opted for softer floral floral patterns.
Revellers posed next to balloon sculptures shaped into the Queen’s crown as they marked Her Majesty’s Jubilee at the races today.
Revellers posed next to balloon sculptures shaped into the Queen’s crown as they marked Her Majesty’s Jubilee at the races today
Matching in florals! One group of women donned coordinating halterneck black dresses with identical black and pink fascinators (left and right)
Radio 1 favourite Gemma Cairney will be spinning her favourite hip-hop and 90s classics on Ladies Day later this evening.
Held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, the Derby was first run in 1780.
It is Britain’s richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics – the other four of which are the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, the 1,000 Guineas Stakes, the Epsom Oaks, and the St Leger Stakes.
The Cazoo Derby will be run in memory of Lester Piggott on Saturday. It will be the first time in the 242-year history of the Classic that it has been dedicated to an individual.
Piggott, who died earlier this year aged 86, won the Derby a record nine times. Other plans to mark his passing include a minute’s applause on Friday and Saturday of the Derby meeting, and a wreath in the colours of Piggott’s 1970 Derby winner Nijinsky to be laid at his statue in front of the Queen Elizabeth II Stand.
Reports suggest Her Majesty will be skipping the Saturday event with the Princess Royal representing the family on her behalf.
Sources close to the Queen, 96, have previously said it is ‘increasingly unlikely’ she will make the trip to Epsom during the four-day celebrations next weekend that will mark her 70 year reign.
Here come the girls! Another group opted for coordinating blue, pink and white outfits as they arrived at Epsom racecourse in Surrey for Ladies Day
Revellers arriving this morning were in high spirits, and posed with entertainers and stils performers as they entered the racecourse
Held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, the Derby was first run in 1780. It is Britain’s richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics
Amid her ‘episodic mobility concerns’, one royal source told the Times that Her Majesty made the decision to help ‘pace herself’ as she rests at Balmoral in Scotland.
The only two prior times the Queen has not attended Epsom were in 1956, while visiting Sweden on official duties and in 1984 when she marked the 40th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.
However her hopes of having a runner in the Cazoo Derby are over after all three of her remaining entries were pulled out.
The Queen has never won the Derby. The closest to success she came was Aureole’s second place in 1953, her coronation year.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk