Punters ditch their heels and don their most lavish hats for muddy Ladies Day at Cheltenham… as Camilla expected shortly

CHELTENHAM revellers have kickstarted Ladies Day in style arriving dressed to the nines for a world-class day of racing. 

Fashionistas have descended upon the Gloucestershire racecourse and one many putting a glamorous twist on the rural staple tweed and faux fur looks. 

Holding their own against stylish ensembles at Aintree and Ascot each year, the Cheltenham attendees have arrived in statement ensembles and thigh-high boots.  

Of course, the headpieces are the stars of the show in many cases, with feather-adorned fascinators and bold hats being on display.

Aiming to not be outshone by their female counterparts, many of the guys looked smart and polished in tailored suits. 

While many are busy sipping champagne and placing bets, there has been an opportunity for some celeb-spotting too.

Zara Tindall has returned for a second day on the trot, and appeared in high spirits with Princess Kate’s mum Carole Middleton.

Cheltenham fanatic Georgia Toffolo, married to Brewdog founder James Watt, was back for a second day of racing.

Following wearing a red Chanel two-piece yesterday, she opted for a brown ensemble, consisting of an eBay coat, Gucci jumper and Maje skirt – finished off by some hairy pointed stilettos by Western Affair.

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The Made in Chelsea star joked on Instagram: “I do slightly worry I may have pushed the fashion boundaries a little far this time.”

Meanwhile, TV host Josie Gibson looked chic in a beige ensemble and matching hat.

This year, Cheltenham Festival organisers reverted the day back to Ladies Day, followed it being called a neutral Festival Wednesday in 2020, and rebranded as Style Wednesday for 2024 and 2025.

The reinstated day will include a Best Dressed competition, live entertainment and welcome spritzes for the first 200 women in the Centaur events space.

The four-day event – running from March 10 13 – kickstarted with Champion’s Day, with St Patrick’s Day taking place on Thursday, and the festival; ending with Gold Cup day on Friday March 13.

Around 250,000 Cheltenham fans often flock to the famous Gloucestershire racecourse for the world-class racing extravaganza.

However, in 2025, 218,839 people flocked to Prestbury Park, which marked a decrease of over 10,000 on the previous year, when just less than 230,000 attended.

Last year’s Ladies Day slot saw just 41,949 turn up, which was the attendance for a single day in a quarter of a century.

Many people blame increasing costs of attending as one of the main factors, with pints of Guinness reaching £7.80 in 2025.

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham racecourse has hosted racing since 1815 and is one of the highlights in the racing calendar.

Traditionally racegoers have donned formal dress for the experience, but rules were relaxed by The Jockey Club in 2023.

They changed the policy to make racing more “accessible and inclusive”, with guests encouraged to wear whatever they feel “comfortable and confident in.”

While suits and formal dresses were commonplace in the past, now jeans, trainers and even tracksuits are permitted. 

The Jockey Club has said the old dress code had been “rather outdated in the 21st Century”, and wants spectators to be comfortable in the changeable British weather.

While some groups even opt for fancy dress, offensive clothing of any kind and replica sports shirts are still banned.

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