Hundreds of racegoers flocked to Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday for the annual Ladies Day, a highlight of the British racing calendar that blends high‑octane sport with runway‑ready style. Despite overcast skies, women in bright pink dresses, bold fascinators and vintage pieces filled the Grandstand and Queen’s Stand, while the Betfred Oaks provided a luucrative £1.5 million prize for the winning three‑year‑old filly.

Pink frocks dominate the Surrey sunshine

According to the event’s website, pink was the colour of choice, ranging from soft blush to vivid fuchsia, and many attendees paired the hues with oversized hats and statement fascinators. One reveller was quoted as saying, “I wanted my hat to be louder than the crowd,” underscoring how the day has become a showcase for personal style as much as for racing talent.

The fashion focus is not new; Ladies Day has long been a platform for sartorial competition, with the best‑dressed attendee traditionally crowned in The Style Awards. This year, the emphasis shifted toward sustainability, but the visual impact of the pink parade remained the headline.

£1.5 million Betfred Oaks adds stakes to the fashion fête

The third Classic of the season, the Betfred Oaks, was run over a mile and a half with a total prize pot of £1.5 million, as reported by the race’s official programme. The owner typically receives about 75 % of the purse, while the trainer, jockey and stable staff split the remaining 25 % according to a standard distribution.

While the fashion crowd sipped Pimms and mini bottles of Moët, the on‑track action attracted punters eager to back the leading fillies, illustrating how the event balances high‑society spectacle with serious betting interest.

Slow Fashion awards replace traditional Best Dressed competition

The Jockey Club, which operates 15 UK courses, announced that the long‑standing Best Dressed competition has been retired in favour of a Slow Fashion award open to both men and women. The new accolade celebrates vintage, borrowed and investment pieces, reflecting a broader industry shift toward sustainability.

Organisers said the change aims to reward creativity that goes beyond brand new couture, encouraging attendees to showcase items with a story or a reduced environmental footprint.

Historic roots: Ladies Day at Epsom since 1780

Ladies Day has been a fixture at Epsom Downs since 1780, making it one of the oldest social events on the British racing calendar. Over the centuries, the day has evolved from a simple gathering of aristocratic ladies to a mass‑appeal carnival that draws fashion influencers, celebrities and everyday enthusiasts alike.

Its longevity demonstrates the enduring appeal of combining sport with social spectacle,a formula that continues to attract thousands despite changing fashion trends and economic climates.

Who will claim the Style Awards crown?

The final question that remains unanswered is which attendee will walk away with the coveted Style Awards title, a decision that will be made after judges assess outfits across the Grandstand and Queen’s Stand enclosures. the source did not disclose the panel’s criteria or the shortlist of contenders, leaving speculation high among fashion‑savvy patrons.