by Organizers at Cheltenham Racecourse have relaxed the dress code, saying they want to make racing more “accessible and inclusive”.
The Jockey Club encourages guests to “dress as feels most comfortable and confident” after reviewing the dress code.
The horse racing event takes place March 14-17, with Ladies Day on March 15. The festival, and Ladies’ Day in particular, has long been seen as an opportunity to dress up, with men in suits and women in formal wear. and hats.
But a relaxation of the dress code is encouraging people to dress nice if they wish.
Why is Cheltenham relaxing its dress code?
Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of the Jockey Club, explained the decision: “We hope that by no longer placing more expectations on people about what they should and shouldn’t wear, we can help emphasize that racing truly is for everyone.”
He added: “It’s a common misconception that a day at the races has always required dressing a certain way, no matter the meet. Indeed, even on high-profile days like the Cheltenham Festival, that simply wasn’t the case and our only recommendation was to dress appropriately for the weather.
“By making the decision not to enforce dress codes at any of our 15 racecourses, we now hope to remove any ambiguity or uncertainty and simply let people know that whatever they feel comfortable wearing they will be welcome to join us in a day of tender.”
Cheltenham Film Festival 2023
What was the dress code?
Officially there was no dress code for Cheltenham Racecourse but people tended to dress smart. Traditionally, men wore suits and women wore elegant dresses, while jeans and sneakers were generally avoided. However, some restrictions do apply, as organizers warn guests choosing to dress smartly to avoid “inappropriate or offensive clothing” or could be denied entry. Swimwear is also not permitted in some areas of the racecourse.
Guests should also avoid wearing team colors to avoid appearing “antagonistic”.
What is the new dress code?
Cheltenham have updated their dress code to come “dressed to feel their best”, stating that “the more relaxed and comfortable we feel, the more likely we are to have a good time”.
The organizers say: “Whatever your tastes, the most important thing in choosing your clothing is, of course, comfort and safety. So wear what feels right and will keep you feeling your best from start to finish, whatever the weather.
