Fascinators galore as Ladies’ Day pulls in the crowds

An array of stunning frocks and fascinators could be be seen at the event yesterday with awards available for best dressed lady, best accessories and best hat.

By contrast, the majority of male racegoers opted for typically British outfits, with tailored tweed suits proving particularly popular.

It was once again a royal occasion as Zara Phillips, returned for the second day 
in a row, accompanied by her mother the Princess Royal and sister-in-law Autumn Phillips.

Also attending was the Duchess of Cornwall, who wore a tweed coat, and her son Tom Parker Bowles.

The Duchess presented a trophy to jockey Jamie Moore after his mount, the favourite Sire de Grugy, won the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase – the top race of the day.

Around 235,000 people are expected to attend the four-day race meeting, which is one of 
the highlights of the national hunt season.

Organisers said that 50,382 people passed through the turnstiles yesterday – slightly down on last year’s attendance.

Punters are expected to wager £250m during the festival week.

Police said there were low levels of crime reported during Ladies’ Day despite large crowds.

Superintendent Jim McCarthy said: “Given the size of the crowd in attendance at today’s meeting, we have had only a small number of incidents reported and there has been a good, positive atmosphere.”