The Bath Racecourse 2018 Ladies’ Day was a huge success with a record attendance of 7,057.
The day started on a damp note, with the Somerset weather not providing quite the picture postcard backdrop that the day’s theme, Picture Perfect suggested. However, that didn’t dampen the spirits of racegoers who were rewarded with improved conditions later on in the afternoon.
A fantastic atmosphere was set by local musicians Louisa Baker, Billy Kinnison-Cook and Sam Fox, as well as JJ & The Live Loungers who all performed as part of Sounds Commercial Lansdown Live – a music series that is taking place across the 2018 racing season in Bath.
Racegoers flocked to this year’s flower wall, which was created by the darling of interior designers and fashion houses, V V Rouleaux. The team at their George Street shop in Bath carefully constructed the unique backdrop especially for Ladies Day from a mix of ribbons and flowers. Shop Manager, Izzi Rawlings, who was a judge in the Best Dressed Competition said: “It was fabulous to be involved in Ladies' Day. We loved seeing everyone enjoying our ribbon and flower photo backdrop, spotting V V Rouleaux hats designed at our George Street shop and helping to judge the Best Dressed Competition – there were so many lovely outfits! A fantastic day all round.”
The elegant Bath crowd provided lots of colour, with floral prints very much on trend. Hundreds of racegoers entered the coveted Best Dressed Competition, with three finalists making their way into the parade ring for the traditional winners’ presentation. A judging panel consisting of Izzi Rawlings, Michelle Wilson from Simonstone Bristol and Nick Jones from Totepool selected Trudy Gardner from Bradford-on-Avon as the overall winner, who claimed a £500 cash prize, as well as prizes from V V Rouleaux, Simonstone Bristol and Temple Spa. The runners-up were Jo Culligan and Rachel Ellis Oates.
Bath Racecourse is also hosting a Ladies’ Twilight Evening, new for 2018 which is set to see another show of style and more great racing on Saturday 18 August. Bristol’s Roni Size will take to the stage after racing to wow the crowd with a live DJ Set.
Bath Racecourse Marketing Manager, Tom Bettles concluded; “We were delighted with the attendance on Ladies’ Day and it was certainly a fantastic atmosphere on the day.
“Ladies' Day is always a popular day in Bath and we’re thrilled to be able to provide two ladies themed fixtures in 2018 with the addition of the Ladies’ Twilight evening races in August. We are excited to have Roni Size DJ after racing who I am sure will be well received by the crowd.”
