REIN OR SHINE

Cheltenham Festival 2024 revellers all smiles at rainy day one of racing, with Zara Tindall leading the fashion pack

We revealed the updated Cheltenham Racecourse fashion rules

Becky Pemberton

Published: 11:59, 12 Mar 2024
Updated: 11:34, 13 Mar 2024

EYE-catching hats, thrilling horse races and celeb sightings - it can only mean one thing - the Cheltenham Festival is back.

Dressed to the nines, revellers have flocked to the famous Gloucestershire racecourse for the first day of the action.

Zara and Mike Tindall have arrived for day one of the Cheltenham Festival and are dressed to the nines

Many have opted for fancy dresses despite the lack of sunshineCredit: Paul Edwards

This guest raised the fashion stakes with this three-piece tweed suitCredit: Splash

Some racing fans have braved mini dresses despite the lack of sunCredit: Splash

Glam guests appeared in high spirits as they arrived at the rainy racecourseCredit: PA

Two female pals appeared to have pulled out all the fashion stops with their stylish looks

One guest braved bare shoulders as she arrivedCredit: Splash

Racegoers have been enjoying champagne as they watch the racingCredit: PA

Stylish hats and snug scarves are staples for many guests at the 2024 festivalCredit: Splash

Revellers are battling the winds and the rain at the famous racing meetCredit: Splash

Some guests have been creative in their outfit choices, given the soggy weatherCredit: Splash

Guests seemed excited for the return of the popular racing eventCredit: Splash

A well-dressed couple arrived hand-in-hand for their day of horse racingCredit: Splash

This showstopping headpiece was unmissable at the racecourseCredit: Splash

Mini skirts and knee-high boots were a firm favourite with revellersCredit: Splash

Stylish pals Chelsey Wilkins and Mia Smith coordinated their looksCredit: Paul Edwards

One guest stunned in a black ensembleCredit: PA

Not put off by the typical British drizzle, many glamorous women have donned their fanciest frocks and braved heels for the occasion.

Royalty has arrived at the event, with Zara and Mike Tindall looking fashionable in matching navy outfits.

Zara channelled Fairfax & Favor, as she looked chic in their , and the

Racegoers certainly have not held back with their headwear, with many showcasing eye-popping fascinators and bold hats.

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Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham racecourse has hosted racing since 1815 and is one of the highlights in the racing calendar.

This year, 250,000 revellers are expected to attend the Cheltenham Festival, which is running for four days until Friday, March 15.

The main events are the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, the Champion Chase on Wednesday, Thursday’s Stayers’ Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, all run at 3.30pm.

For more than 200 years, punters have been instructed to wear traditional formal dress, with elaborate get-ups a common sight at racetracks like Cheltenham.

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However, in 2023, The Jockey Club, which runs 15 racecourses including Cheltenham, relaxed the rules and changed the policy to make racing more "accessible and inclusive".

The dress code for Cheltenham Festival is now whatever makes people feel "comfortable and confident", the Jockey Club has said.

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The previous dress code advised men to wear suits and women to wear cocktail dresses.

Now, spectators will be allowed to wear whatever they like at the event, including jeans, trainers and even tracksuits.

However, offensive fancy dress, offensive clothing of any kind and replica sports shirts are still banned.

While spectators won't be discouraged from dressing smartly if they want to, they will no longer be restricted from certain enclosures based on what they're wearing.

The Jockey Club has said the old dress code had been "rather outdated in the 21st Century", and wants spectators to be comfortable in the changeable British weather.