Runners and riders in fashion stakes grace Ladies’ Day at Wetherby Races

It was all sunshine and smiles at Ladies’ Day at Wetherby Races where the day, though not the weather, came courtesy of the Yorkshire Post as the event’s official sponsor.

By Peter McNerney

Published 20th May 2011, 07:00 BST

Feathers, fascinators and fine frocks dominated as Yorkshire’s best-dressed women put on a fashion parade to rival the action seen on the course.

A popular spot during the day was the Yorkshire Post Life and Style Marquee where racegoers were treated to fashion shows and Leeds designer Kelly Ewing, the sponsor of the Best Dressed Lady competition, showcased her latest design along with millinery students from Leeds College of Art .

Wetherby chief executive Jonjo Sanderson said: “Historically horse racing has been a male dominated sport and collectively at Go Racing in Yorkshire we are trying to knock those barriers and we’ve all got Ladies’ Days that we’ve been running for many years and we’re working together to try and get a few more ladies to our courses.”

The first race was won by Danny John Boy, starting price 50/1, beating the 4/1 favourite Winter Alchemy into second place.