Equestrian Lady
To look classically elegant there is nothing better than a tweed skirt (just above the knee is the shortest you should go) teamed with a crisp ruffle shirt, a really feminine jacket and some gorgeous Belstaff boots.
When to go? All days have their own particular character. If you want to show off your glad rags then go on Ladies Day (although no self-respecting Cotswold girl will be doing wannabee-at-Ascot; see What to Wear) and if you’ve got any Irish blood in you, get down to the Guinness Village on Thursday to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. You can still experience the thrill of the crowd without the squeeze of Gold Cup on Tuesday stand by the finishing post for the first race of the day and the cheer as they set off will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Just make sure you leave plenty of time - latest by eleven o’clock from here, if you don’t want to miss the first race stuck in a queue of traffic!
What to wear? This isn’t Ascot, dear. It can sometimes be freezing and / or wet, so sensible country racing folk will be wearing the obligatory uniform of
tweeds, Barbours and posh boots. Think layers not legs out - if in doubt, pop in to see Bonnie at Mangan & Webb in Stow on the Wold for a proper racing coat and some sartorial advice. “Ladies should always make an effort with their appearance. To look classically elegant there is nothing better than a tweed skirt (just above the knee is the shortest you should go) teamed with a crisp ruffle shirt, a really feminine jacket and some gorgeous Belstaff boots.”
Where to eat? All good race days have to start with a great cooked breakfast, so stop off at the Plough Inn at Ford on the way there - or, if you don’t mind being gawped at, get yourself a Range Rover, a picnic basket and a folding table and host your horsey friends in the car park. Once inside, head for the Champagne Bar. Forget the diet, for this is food heaven. A carb overload is perfect for keeping out the cold and soaking up the alcohol and there is plenty on offer, whether you fancy
a burger and chips or you have booked a fine dining experience in the Panoramic - one thing is for sure, you won’t go home hungry.
How to bet? Racing’s so much more fun if you’ve got a stake on the outcome. Punters will make their way down to the bookies but stick with the Tote if you’re a novice. Buy a race card on the way in, bring a pen to make notes and take time to read up a bit before the start of every race. You will find all sorts of helpful information about likely odds, previous winners, probable favourites and racing colours - it doesn’t matter whether you go local and plump every time for Sam TwistonDavies or choose the prettiest silks, just don’t bet on half the field each time or you won’t cover your stake, even if you get lucky! Simply opt for a win on a favourite, or an each-way flutter on a horse with longer odds - and most importantly, only put in your purse what you are prepared to lose. www.cotswold-homes.com
37