Punters on catwalk at Ebor Festival Ladies Day

More than 200 impeccably dressed punters strutted their stuff on a specially-created catwalk on the Ebor Fashion Lawn.

Judges voted Laurence Casserly and Lousie MacPherson the best dressed racegoers. The couple, who travelled from Edinburgh to be at the Ebor Ferstival, won a trip to Dubai courtesy of Marriott Hotels.

York Racecourse spokesman James Brennan said the Ebor Fashion Lawn has proved a popular attraction at this year’s four-day festival, which started on Wednesday.

He added: “It’s a chance for people to show off their outfits and there are prizes for ladies, gents and children. It’s meant to celebrate the fun of fashion. There was a lovely atmosphere as groups of friends took to the catwalk.

“Some of the outfits were bold as to the point of near outrageous and others were dressed as if they were going to a very smart wedding. They were all welcome on the catwalk and they have all brought their own sense of fun to the party that has been Ladies Day.” Student Toni-Marie Whiteley, 18, of Huddersfield was at Ladies Day with family and friends. Toni-Marie, who wore a striking pink dress, said: “It has been a good day out. We won three races. We didn’t win a lot, but we won.”

There was a crowd of around 22,000 on Ladies Day with total attendances expected to top last year’s figure of 80,000 over the four-day Ebor Festival.