Hats off to stylish racegoers
BEST-DRESSED WINNER BAGS DUBAI FLIGHTS AT LADIES’ DAY
Stylish racegoers started arriving as soon as the gates opened at 11am sporting a range of headwear from fascinators and hair accessories to hats that shouted big, bold and beautiful.
Then there came a brief downpour which saw women running for cover while some had come prepared with plastic ponchos and brollies.
“We’ve colour co-ordinated our umbrellas!” said a group of nurses from the RVI who weren’t prepared to let a touch of rain spoil the picnic and fizz they were enjoying at one of the outdoor bars.
But the deluge was shortlived and, as with Plate Day, the sun came out just in time to reveal the ladies at their best, with beautifully-attired trendsetters of all ages catching spectators’ eye.
The Plate earlier this month included a Best Dressed Man competition for the first time this year and there were plenty off well-dressed men on show this time too as crowds built up in the stands ahead of the day’s eight races of on-track action.
Ladies’ Day – to give it its full name, Collingwood Insurance Beeswing Ladies’ Day – always takes place on the last Saturday of July and always tops the fashion stakes with cutting-edge creations.
Judging for the Best Dressed Lady competition followed the big race of the day – the Beeswing handicap at 3.05pm, which saw Northgate Lad first past the finish line – and a shortlist of 10 was drawn up then whittled down to five following the fifth race around half an hour later.
The line-up of the final five was briefly interrupted by a man in a frock, who took his place among them for the pho- tographers. Then it was time to pick out a winner – with prizes going to the top four places.
Judges, including scouts from Tyne Tees Models, who had been keeping their eyes out for the bestdressed, had a hard task on their hands but chose a worthy winner in a delighted Marie, who impressed in a pink outfit, striking feather hat and uniqueq heels, which fea- tured the face of style icon Katharine Hepburn.
Unexpectedly finding herself in the spotlight, she was handed a topprize goody bag which – besides flights for two to Dubai – also included cruise and clothing vouchers; a spa day; makeover and photo shoot, personal trainer membership and VIP treatment at a Newcastle bar-restaurant.
Before the last race, a late addition to the schedules wrapped up the oncourse action at 5.25pm, the bars and food outlets had also seen plenty celebrations – and long queues.
The day’s racegoers featured a mix of regulars, including a group of men who travel up each year from Birmingham, and newcomers who were enjoying their first Ladies’ Day ahead of a night out in Newcastle.
A new addition this year was a beauty bar offering women the chance to freshen up and glam up at the end of the day.
Run by staff from Newcastle-based Fab Face & Body Beauty Salon, Top Shop and 2Boo, its makeup and hair touch-up facilities were sure to prove popular with those keen to continue the party mood out on the town, after post-race live music from House Of Sax brought the day’s entertainment to a close on the grandstand lawns.
Best Dressed Lady winner Marie Brown, centre, from County Durham celebrates with finalists