The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Andrena Martin stands out at Ladies’ Day at Perth Racecourse.
Men and women dress to impress as TV style guru chooses top outfit of the day
Style guru Gok Wan gave an added edge to the most fashionable day of the year at Perth Racecourse as he cast his eye over the crowd’s efforts to cut a dash.
Thousands of people descended on Scone yesterday for the annual ladies’ day, enjoying another day of fine weather.
As always many racegoers – male and female – were dressed to impress and Gok crowned the best-dressed lady live on stage.
Earlier in the day he hosted a fashion show and shared style tips and secrets.
Hazel Peplinski, chief executive of Perth Racecourse, acknowledged that the off track attractions now almost matched the day’s racing as a draw with the crowds.
“Today’s meeting was one of the best ladies’ days we’ve had on record at Perth, with over 5,000 glamorous ladies and gents coming along to enjoy a day of racing,” she said.
“We had a really exciting seven-race card, Gok Wan’s fashion brunch club went down a storm with our VIP guests, and the glorious sunshine topped off a brilliant day.”
Adding to the glamour was Miss Great Britain, Ursula Carlton from Nairn, who was attending the racecourse for the first time.
“I’d heard that the style stakes were extremely high at Perth and I couldn’t wait to see all the glamorous ladies and gents,” she said.
Ursula presented awards for bestdressed male and best hat on stage before Gok Wan announced Gillian Wilson of Ayr as the best-dressed lady.
Sponsored by St John’s Shopping Centre, her sartorial elegance won her £2,000, the biggest best-dressed cash prize in Scotland.
The scale of the event is such that it is not only the competing trainers who are prepared to travel to come to Perth, the crowds are now drawn from all over Scotland and beyond.
Ensuring that the day went with a swing, win or lose on the horses, a series of live entertainment was staged.
Tay FM’s Stuart Webster hosted proceedings from the main stage and among the musical acts appearing were the Soul Kings, who started the day, and a Take That tribute band that closed the show.