Day 11: Lets Talk Horse Racing
If like me you sat in on Saturday, in your front living room at 5pm dressed for the races, a cgi version of the grand national on in the background and an excessive amounts of alcohol in your system. This covid-19 has taken everything from us this year, & has left our outfits still hung up in the wardrobe ready for the Grand National next year. Today I am going to be babbling on about the history of horse racing and bringing you forwards thinking style advice, in hope you can use this information when picking your outfit for the races next year.
Since the beginning of recorded history, horse racing was an organized sport for all major civilizations around the globe. The ancient Greek Olympics had events for both chariot and mounted horse racing. The sport was also very popular in the Roman Empire. Horse racing has since turned into an opportunity to get dressed up to the 9’s, bet your whole months wage away and consume 100 litres of alcohol.
The start of race season kicks off at the Cheltenham Festival. The Cheltenham Festival is a meeting in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom, with race prize money second only to the Grand National. The four-day festival takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Cheltenham Festival goers never fail to bring there best tweed suits, fur coats and finest felt hats.
What everyone actually ends up looking…
Here is a look we created in store perfect for Cheltenham…
Oh look they caught a PEAKY BLINDER:
After The Grand National the final biggest race meet would be The Royal Ascot, Where the paupers are amongst the ROYALS. 
From fantastical hats to its regal procession, Michelin-starred dining experiences and of course, the horse racing, Royal Ascot is one of the most glamorous and unique events of the year. Ascot is the most Formal of them all with there extremely high standards. The dress code is as followed:
LADIES
Ladies are kindly reminded that formal daywear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:
- Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
- Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted.
- Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code. Midriffs must be covered.
- Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
- Jumpsuits are welcome. They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses and tops.
- Hats should be worn; however, a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted
GENTLEMEN
Gentlemen are kindly reminded that it is a requirement to wear black, grey or navy morning dress which must include:
• A waistcoat and tie (no cravats or bow ties) • A black or grey top hat
• Black shoes worn with socksA gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a Private Box, a private club or a facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Gardens.
The customisation of top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) is not permitted in the Royal Enclosure.
Novelty waistcoats and ties are not permitted. Discreet patterns and those of a patriotic nature (for example, a national flag) are acceptable.
Top hats by Oliver Brown are available at
75 Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W 8DA oliverbrown.org.uk.
So there we have the history of the 3 biggest race meets of the year. Lastly I am going to share with you our most highly requested looks for the races for this year:
Hopefully you feel more inspired with your suits if you are planning on attending Chester Races, York Races, Haycock Races etc etc. Thankyou for Reading todays blog.
