First-time winner steals show on Ladies’ Day

The winner of the best dressed competition, Jayne Walker-Ellis, second left, with her daughter, Georgia Walker-Ellis, second right, and friends from left, Sarah Miller, Kin Hardy and Melissa Hardy.

First past the post in the style stakes at Doncaster racecourse was Jayne Walker-Ellis who won the DFS Best Dressed Lady competition.

Miss Walker-Ellis’s striking black and white outfit saw  her win a trip for two to New York – and a return trip to Doncaster for October 25 for the competition to determine Yorkshire’s best dressed racegoer in 2014.

“It is fantastic - I cannot believe it. I am a regular at Doncaster. I have never been in the Best Dressed competition before. I am sure my boyfriend will be chuffed with the trip to New York,” said Miss Walker-Ellis who lives in Doncaster.

Ladies' Day at the St Ledger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse.

The runner-up was Katie Newsam, a fashion designer  from Barnsley, while Cherrie-Leigh Pearman, a student  nurse from Doncaster, came third.

Summer-like weather helped to swell the crowds on Town Moor – yesterday’s attendance of 14,500 racegoers was fractionally up on the corresponding day last year.

Patriotic punters are expected be out in force today to cheer the Queen’s Estimate in the Doncaster Cup – this is the filly which made turf history last year when becoming the first horse to carry a reigning monarch’s regal colours to victory in the blue riband Ascot Gold Cup.

Meanwhile, 14 runners have been declared for tomorrow’s St Leger. However, the participation of hot favourite Kingston Hill hangs in the balance – trainer Roger Varian says he will not run his stable star unless the track is watered, and there were no plans to do so last night.