The best dressed Yorkshire Ladies Day winners line up for the grand final

As the best dressed lady racegoers in Yorkshire prepare for next week’s grand final, Stephanie Smith asks them how they came up with their winning outfits. Pictures by Hannah Ali.
By Stephanie Smith
Published 18th Oct 2019, 18:00 BST
Thirsk winner Lindsey ClarkThirsk winner Lindsey Clark
Thirsk winner Lindsey Clark

It’s time to place your bets as the nine winners of the summer’s Ladies Days across Yorkshire come together at Doncaster Races next Saturday to battle it out, hat to hat, for the title of Go Racing Best Dressed Lady. Each of the county’s nine racecourses held a Ladies Day competition, with some entrants having planned their outfit for months in advance.

Each heat winner automatically goes forward to the grand final – and the stakes are high. The winner will receive: a 1920s vintage ring made of 18 carat white gold from loveVintageDiamonds.com with a value of £2,000; a £500 voucher to spend at Incognito and a two-night stay in a Spa Suite at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel in Doncaster.

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Last year’s winner was Katie Maini, now 28, a solicitor from Doncaster, who was named St Leger’s Best Dressed Lady 2018, having previously won the spring competition, then going on to win the Go Racing in Yorkshire Best Dressed Lady Final wearing a dress with fur cuffs from Obi in Doncaster, a hat from Vixen Millinery and shoes from the high street.

Last year's Go Racing in Yorkshire grand final winner, Katie MainiLast year's Go Racing in Yorkshire grand final winner, Katie Maini
Last year's Go Racing in Yorkshire grand final winner, Katie Maini

She was encouraged to enter her heat by her sister, Sarah, and was amazed to win. “I couldn’t quite believe it,” she said. “Everyone looked amazing and a lot of people go for these co-ordinated outfits. I had just thrown something together the first time round.”

Her prize included a holiday in Santorini in June, with her husband, Sonny.

Katie has tips for this year’s finalists. “I’d always go for something classic and elegant. Less is more, I’d say that. I’m not one for extravagance.”

The Best Dressed Lady Final is on Saturday, October 26 at Doncaster Racecourse. Gates open at 11.30am and the first race is at 1.45pm with the judging of the final at 2.35pm.