I swear, nothing makes me feel more underdressed than scrolling through photos of Chester Races' Ladies Day. There I was yesterday, in my comfy jeans and that coffee-stained white tee, when my editor dumped these glamorous shots on my desk with a "get this written by 3pm" sticky note.
Gemma Owen Steals the Show (Obviously)
Love Island's Gemma Owen—yes, Michael Owen's daughter—absolutely killed it in a crisp white midi dress that probably cost more than my monthly rent. The 22-year-old paired it with these sleek sunglasses that screamed "I'm famous, don't talk to me" in teh best possible way. My colleague Sarah actually spotted her last year at the same event and said she blanked everyone except the champagne server. Can't blame her.
God. The monochrome theme was EVERYWHERE.
When TV Presenters and Sports Legends Collide
Jenny Powell (who honestly hasn't aged since the 90s) rocked up in this gorgeous off-shoulder polkadot number that had me googling "polkadots back in fashion?" at my desk. Former hockey player Sam Quek clearly got the same style memo, sporting her own version of the black and white polkadot trend.
Footballing royalty was out in force too. Robbie Fowler and his wife Kerrie went for matching blue outfits—couples coordination that would look tacky on normal people but somehow works when you've scored 183 goals for Liverpool. John Barnes was there too, looking happier than I've seen him since that World Cup rap back in 1990.
What's With All The Pastels? Are We At A Baby Shower?
The non-celeb attendees weren't exactly slacking in the fashion department either. There was this one group that looked like they'd raided a pastel-colored candy shop—all soft pinks, blues and creams. Beautiful, but I'd last approximately 7 minutes in those outfits before spilling something down myself.
With temperatures hitting 23°C (I checked), mini dresses and bare shoulders were the practical choice for once. One woman in a coral-colored suit caught my eye—bold move in that heat, respect.
The Unspoken Rules of Chester
I covered Ascot back in 2018, and let me tell you, Chester is like its slightly more relaxed cousin. Still fancy, but you won't get escorted out for wearing the wrong shade of beige.
That said, they do have dress codes. I learned this the hard way last year when my friend Dan tried to get into the County Long Room wearing what he called "smart jeans" (they had paint on them). His response: "already updating my resume to afford proper trousers next time."
The racecourse website literally instructs you to "ooze classic sophistication." Who writes this stuff?
Champagne for Breakfast? Don't Mind If I Do
As soon as the first race kicked off, the bubbly was flowing. I counted at least 14 champagne corks popping in the space of about 5 minutes. And this was before noon!
The Boodles May Festival runs for three days, but everyone knows Ladies Day is the one where people really show up adn show off. It's like the Olympics of fascinators.
Speaking of which—some of those headpieces defied physics. One woman had what looked like an entire garden center balanced on her head. I spent $4K on my wedding and didn't look half as fancy as some of these racegoers on a Thursday afternoon.
Dress Code Breakdown (For Those Planning Ahead)
If you're thinking of attending next year, here's the lowdown:
County Long Room, Winning Post, The Garden, and Chester Members area? "Strictly smart." Think cocktail dresses and power suits. Basically, dress like you're meeting your partner's judgy parents for the first time.
Tattersalls is more forgiving—smart casual, so collared shirts and trousers that don't look like they've been through a war.
The Roodee is where the normal people hang out. Summer dresses, shorts, and t-shirts welcome. This is where I'd be if I wasn't stuck behind my laptop writing about other people having fun.
Listen. The real winners yesterday weren't even the horses—they were the women navigating the grass in 5-inch stilettos without sinking or falling. That's the true sport at Chester Races.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the initial step to training a racing horse?
In the initial training phase, the racehorse must undergo a crucial stage called "breaking," during which the horse is accustomed to the saddle, the bridle and the weight carried by the rider. In these early sessions patience and gentle treatment are essential to ensure that the horse becomes comfortable with humans and the equipment he will wear during his racing career.
What health precautions must be taken when training racehorses?
Meticulous attention to a racehorse's health is vital in preventing injury and illness. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and proper hoof management are essential. Monitoring the horse's signs of fatigue, discomfort or strain is equally important. Implementing a well-thought-out training regimen that allows for gradual progression in intensity can help minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Do different breeds of horses require different training methods?
The race training methods used for different breeds of horses can vary because the breed characteristics as well as racing distances are different. For instance, Thoroughbreds, which are commonly associated with long-distance flat racing, undergo different training compared to Quarter Horses, which specialize in sprinting short distances. Each breed is unique and requires a different approach to match their physical characteristics and behaviors.
How often are racehorses trained?
Training frequency for racehorses is usually tailored to the individual horse's needs, level of fitness, and racing schedule. In general, racehorses will have a daily exercise routine that includes walking, trotting, or cantering. This is followed by more demanding work, like galloping or breezing at least three times a weekly, to improve stamina. Rest days will allow your horse to recover, and help prevent overtraining.
What age should a race horse start training?
Horses that are two years old can begin training, although they may start with basic training. Their bodies are still young, and can adapt to the learning process. Depending on the temperament and development of the horse, exact timing may differ.
How can I prepare my horse for racing?
A racehorse's conditioning is a process that involves a combination of slow, long distance work for stamina as well as shorter, faster workouts for speed. The horse's cardiovascular system, musculature, and skeletal structure must be strengthened over time through a carefully designed exercise regimen that mimics the rigors of racing without causing injury or undue stress.
Statistics
- The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.
- Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
- An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
- Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
- Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
- The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
External Links
How To
How to educate a racehorse about racing strategies
Educating a racehorse on racing strategies requires a combination of trackwork and guidance from an experienced jockey. Practice gate starters, pacing in races, positioning, and responding to changes in pace. To teach the horse adaptability and the dynamics of competition, role-play different scenarios. A well-instructed animal can make strategic moves, and adjust their pace as instructed by the rider. This greatly influences the outcome of a competition.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/the-gosdenshoemark-split-racings-cruelest-timing
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