Ripon ladies give the Ascot crowd a run for their money

7:21am Friday 20th June 2008

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AS everyone knows, one of the most important things about Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot is the outfits - not those of the jockeys, but of the spectators.

But while Ascot, in Berkshire, may be the focus of many a long lens this week, nearly 4,500 racegoers at Ripon proved yesterday CELEBRATING: A hen group celebrating ahead of the wedding of Barbara Norris, eighth from the right Picture: DOUG JACKSON that the fashion stakes are just as high up North.

And as if to illustrate just how ingrained fashion has become in racing culture, Ladies' Day at Ripon now has its own catwalk show, organised by fashion design students from nearby Harrogate College. Course tutor Annabel Smith said: "Fashion is a huge part of Ripon Races, so it is a brilliant place to showcase the students' work.

"The women that come here are the same women who love shopping for clothes, so they are the students' future customers.

"I do think they could give the Ascot ladies a run for their money any day."

Amanda Winter, from Darlington, agreed. She made her canary-yellow feather dress and hat for the occasion. She said: "I just wanted to wear something really bright and summery. It is nice to stand out and be different.

"I have never been to Ascot, but I cannot imagine the ladies there could be any better dressed than we are here."

Jennifer Nathaniel, 27, from Leeds, on the other hand, thinks simple elegance is the way to go. She said: "I wanted to go for a classic look, so I chose black and white. I love my hat, though, it adds a bit of flamboyance."

James Rycroft, 35, from Harrogate, said he thought the overall standard was very high, but that there was only one problem - hats. He said: "They are so over-rated. I'm sorry, I just think they look a bit silly."

But judging by the array of feathers, flounces and fascinators on show, Mr Rycroft is clearly in the minority.

Angela Moss, whose Super Hats stall can be seen at race meetings across Yorkshire, is adamant that hip headgear is the centrepiece of any ladies' day outfit.

She said: "Hats are so important.They really do give that oomph to an outfit and make it look so special.

"I have been really impressed with the standard here today. Everyone has really put in the effort and they look totally fabulous."