York Races 2017: A Winning Day Out

It was a privilege to be invited to York Races for the John Smith’s meeting last week and choosing my outfit was a fabulous precursor to the day. Everything I wore came from Monks Cross Shopping park near York and I wrote about the contending runners and riders as well as my final outfit choice in yesterday’s post.

We had admission to the County Stand, a formal area in which gents need to wear a collared shirt, tie and jacket. This allowed us to entry to all areas including all food and drink options in the Grandstand and Paddock and Course Enclosure. We went to the recently opened Moet Chandon tent for a small bottle and sat for a while to take in the atmosphere.

We were treated to a beautiful picnic and Prosecco platter in the Edwardian Weighing Room, an informal eating and drinking area, that was previously home to riders and officials for over a century.

Of course I couldn’t resist sitting on the scale.

The picnic was absolutely divine…a salmon and prawn starter, followed by a chicken, ham and asparagus salad, and lemon torte and strawberries.We chose to dine inside because it was a little blustery, but many took theirs outdoors.

The only other time I have placed bets was when I went to York Races some five years ago. The bookmakers are very friendly and are quite used to novices such as myself, so there’s no need to feel daunted. In fact, every official, steward and member of staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. We placed a small bet on each of the seven races; Ian choose to look at the form and various statistics, while I picked those with names that appealed. I feel quite vindicated by my non-scientific approach because we each had an “each-way” winner, with neither of our choices winning on the nose.

We were invited to the Parade Ring where one of the Pink Ladies, (herself a former jockey), explained that this is where the horses and riders parade before each race and where the presentations take place,

This is Novoman, clear winner of The Cakemark Stakes, getting watered before receiving his winner’s blanket.

And this is the winning jockey Georgia Cox at her presentation and interview.

From start to finish our day at York Races was perfect. There is something for everyone including families and I really hope it won’t be another five years before I return. Huge thanks to Amy Swales of York Racecourse for organising, facilitating and hosting which made our day extra special.

I’m wearing:
Coral chiffon dress, £22 (sale price), Dorothy Perkins at Outfit
Coral fascinator, £25, Dorothy Perkins at Outfit
Floral sandals, £17.50 (sale price), Outfit
Leonie stripe beaded and sequinned clutch bag, £14.50 (sale price), Accessorize
Oversized bloom scarf, £10 (sale price), Monsoon
Earrings, £10 for a set, River Island
Coral nail polish, Revlon £6.49 Boots

Honey bee bracelet, gold, £27, Lizzy O

Pineapple bracelet, gold, £27, Lizzy O

Pineapple ring, gold, £24, Lizzy O (Sign up to my monthly newsletter here for exclusive subscriber discounts at Lizzy O).

Disclosure:
Ian and I were guests of York Racecourse. My opinions are always 100% honest and the content is always my own.Thank you for supporting those brands, companies and organisations that support What Lizzy Loves.

Photographs of me: 
Ian