Cheltenham Festival and Grand National drop dress code in huge horse racing move

02 February 2023 , 11:05

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Punters rocking up to the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National all suited and booted could now be a thing of the past following a groundbreaking move by the authorities.

On Thursday morning, The Jockey Club confirmed that formal dress codes will no longer be in place at any of its 15 racecourses. The drastic measure forms part of an initiative to make the sport more "accessible and inclusive" to racegoers.

Traditionally, punters have been restricted to watching races in certain enclosures based on their choice of outfit. But following an extensive review of dress codes, and a survey conducted with spectators, the changes will be implemented with immediate effect.

Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive at The Jockey Club, said: “Horseracing has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important to us to be accessible and inclusive. We hope that by no longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn’t wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.

“For those who visit our venues, a day at the races is all about spending quality leisure time with friends and family and we believe people enjoy themselves best when they feel relaxed. A major part of that is wearing clothing which you are comfortable in."

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Truesdale did acknowledge that the long-standing traditions of his organisation were being altered: “While The Jockey Club has a rich heritage and history it is also a forward-thinking organisation which places a great emphasis on diversity and inclusion and always seeks to reflect modern trends. So, when we reviewed this area of the raceday experience, it has been clear to us that enforcing a dress code seems rather outdated in the 21^st Century in the eyes of many of our racegoers."

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He did however, insist that the new regulations didn't deter fans from dressing in the traditional manner: "Of course that doesn’t mean we are discouraging people from dressing up for a day at the races if they want to. This is about giving people a choice and the opportunity to come racing dressed however they feel most comfortable and confident, while also bearing in mind the challenges regularly presented by the British weather!"

There are minor exceptions to the new policy. Fancy dress or offensive clothing that is deemed to be offensive, along with replica sports shirts, remain forbidden. The Queen Elizabeth II Stand at Epsom Downs Racecourse will also continue to require morning dress or formal daywear on Derby Day.

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It's not the only change to the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, which runs from March 14-17. Changes to fences will also be implemented, a move that has been criticised by Irish trainer Willie Mullins.