Biggest crowd for 15 years

Ladies’ Day attacted the biggest crowd for 15 years to Southwell Racecourse on Sunday.

About 5,000 people attended for an afternoon of racing and entertainment.

The weather stayed dry — in sharp contrast to last year when the event was cancelled and the course was closed until December after floods in June.

The water level reached 4ft and caused almost £4m-worth of damage to the all-weather track and the racecourse buildings, which were subsequently revamped and the course is now said to be better than ever.

Ladies’ Day, organised in conjunction with the Advertiser, gave women the chance to look their best — and they did not disappoint.

Many wore hats, while others opted instead for feathery fascinators in their hair.

Black and white was a popular choice, along with red and various shades of pink, but there did not appear to be two outfits the same.

Even some men made an effort, wearing top hats and tails to complement their stylish partners.

Finalists for three Ladies’ Day awards were chosen by an Advertiser team who searched the crowd for women with stylish, co-ordinated outfits.

Ten women were chosen for each category — best hat, best outfit and best shoes.

Mrs Debbie Grogan (42) of Sheffield, won best hat for her black design trimmed with yellow that was decorated with colourful flowers and netting.

Miss Lucinda Southern, of Markham Road, Tuxford, won best outfit.

Miss Southern said she fell in love with the black and cream designer skirt suit while shopping during a Young Farmers’ event in Torquay. Her co-ordinating hat was from Whiteley, of London.

A self-confessed shoe-a-holic, Mrs Amanda Ellis (42) of Blidworth, was judged to have the best shoes.

The afternoon started with a racegoers’ fashion showcase as ladies took to the stage to show off their outfits.

A fashion show by Dressini, followed, which was watched by a large crowd.

On the racecourse there were six races before the day ended with dancing to music by Boogielicious.

The racecourse’s general manager, Mr Nathan Corden, was delighted that the event attracted the best crowd for 15 years.

He said: “We have been lucky with the weather and the atmosphere has been great.

“The ladies have made a tremendous effort, which is lovely to see.”

He said about 4,300 people attended the first Ladies’ Day in 2005.

In 2006, a Ladies’ Night took place on a Thursday evening in June, attracting about 2,500 people.

The Advertiser’s marketing director, Mrs Rachel Brown, said the attendance was fantastic and she was delighted with how the event went.

She said it was great to see how local woman embraced the day and pulled out all the stops with their outfits.

Mrs Brown said the pre-race fashion show and the post-race band were wonderful additions.

She and Mr Corden said they wanted to thank the sponsors.