For over two centuries it has been an established part of horse racing’s rich heritage. But the Jockey Club, which owns 15 of Britain’s biggest courses, has scrapped its formal dress code as part of a bid to make the sport more “accessible and inclusive”.
The move means racegoers will immediately be allowed to wear what they want in all enclosures at Jockey Club tracks, including Cheltenham, Aintree, Newmarket, Epsom and Sandown.
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In the past, the Byzantine rules of racing required men to wear jackets in certain enclosures, even during a heat wave, with jeans and shorts often intertwined. Last year, two racegoers were refused entry to Sandown’s most expensive enclosure on Bet365 Gold Cup day for wearing trainers.
The change in policy was announced by Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale, who said he hoped it would attract more people to the sport.
“Equestrian has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important for us to be accessible and inclusive,” he said. “Hopefully, if we no longer expect what they should and shouldn’t wear, we can help make the point that racing really is for everyone.
The only exception to the new policy at any of the 342 fixtures staged at the Jockey Club is offensive fancy dress, offensive clothing of any kind and replica sports shirts. The Queen Elizabeth II Stand at Epsom will continue to require morning wear or formal day wear on Derby Day.
Courses not run by the Jockey Club, such as Ascot, will continue to set their own rules.
Southwell 1.20 Peachey Carnehan 1.50 My Genghis 2.20 Sugar Hill Babe 2.50 Owens Lad 3.25 Evania (nb) 4.00 How Bizarre 4.35 Harry With Style 5.05 Spectacular
Wincanton 1.30 Heroes and Fun 2.00 Celtic Art 2.30 Midnight Midge 3.00 Butterwick Brook 3.35 Iovethenightlife 4.10 Famous Clermont 4.45 Goodtimecrew
Fakenham 1.40 Secret Trix 2.10 Ben Buie 2.40 Brianna Rose 3.15 Jaramillo 3.50 Bolsover Bill 4.25 Small Bad Bob
Chelmsford 5.30 Homer Stokes 6.00 Voltaic 6.30 Furnicoe 7.00 Dusky Prince (nap) 7.30 Shine Honey Shine 8.00 Storm Catcher 8.30 Miss Sligo
“We believe that people enjoy themselves the most when they feel relaxed,” Truesdale said. “A big part of that is wearing clothes you’re comfortable in. When we reviewed this area of the race day experience, it became clear to us that enforcing a dress code in the 21st century seems to many to be old fashioned. our race people.
“Of course that’s not to say we’re trying to discourage people from dressing up for a day at the races if they want to,” he said. “This is about giving people the choice and opportunity to come to racing dressed in the way they feel most comfortable and confident, while also bearing in mind the challenges that British weather faces. regular.”