Over 18,000 people attended one of the most anticipated fixtures in the social calendar, combining, style, elegance, and racing. Guests enjoyed a phenomenal calibre of racing and a Marvin Humes DJ set at the end of the day, but it was the Best Dressed competition that was the star of the show.
In racing, a phenomenal calibre of runners and riders took to the track. The first race, The Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap, was won by Hector Crough and Whip Cracker. The feature race, The Virgin Bet Chester Stakes, was won by Midak and Paul Mulrennan, who achieved a double over the course of the day. Ivory Moon is a new one to watch, having won her first ever run at Chester in The British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes, and she now holds a Group 1 entry in Cheveley Park Stakes. Hector Crouch won his triple in the final race of the day, which was dedicated to National Racehorse Week.
The competition returned bigger and better than ever with a stage on the Pavilion Lawn. Hundreds of guests entered the competition, but judges could only shortlist eight, and the top three received unbelievable prizes.
Amanda Turner from Stockport was crowned first place winner, wearing a Karen Millen dress, Zara shoes, a boutique hat important from Ireland and a bag from Charles & Keith. Amanda’s daughter, Emma, was also shortlisted.
Amanda said: “Thank you so much, I’m so privileged and I can’t believe it. I’ve had the most amazing day, I’ve met some amazing people. So many beautiful outfits, so I cannot believe it. This is like a dream come true”
The winner was selected by Carly Powell from Powells Jewellery, Lyndsay Berry from Daios Cove and Gemma Owen.
Gemma Owen said: “We were looking for an outfit that looked purposefully put together, the shoes, the bag, the hat, and our first placed winner just matched perfectly.”
Lyndsay added: “We wanted someone that stood out, and Amanda absolutely fit that brief.”
Carly Powell shared: “Our winner was a timeless classic, so elegant! And the green is very on brand for Powells, which is a bonus!”
The first-place winner received a prize package featuring a Powells Jewellery Two Row Diamond Bracelet set in white gold worth over £6,500, alongside a seven-night stay for two in a Deluxe Sea View Room at Daios Cove on a half-board basis. As the annual style partner, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is offering a £500 voucher. The winner will also take home a £500 beauty voucher courtesy of Pink Ladies, a subscription and flowers from The Cheshire Magazine, two Clubhouse tickets for Boodles May Festival Trials Day 2027 and a bottle of Chester Racecourse Champagne.
Amanda will also be crowned the face of Chester Races Ladies Day for the next 12 months, where her outfit will be shown off on future racecards, social media and various promotional assets.
In second place was Harlea Hamilton. She said: “I’m just amazed, I never win anything! I’ve had such a lucky day, I’ve won a couple of raced. The outfit was dead last-minute so to win is just amazing! I’ve known I was coming here for about eight weeks and I only decided to order something on Monday.”
The runner-up prize includes a £250 Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet voucher, a £250 beauty voucher courtesy of Pink Ladies, a subscription and flowers from The Cheshire Magazine, two Turf Restaurant tickets for Boodles May Festival Trials Day 2027 and Chester Racecourse Champagne.
Julie Pemberton who came third, wore Burberry shoes from Vinted, a Karen Millen dress, and a fascinator from Etsy.
Julie said: “I feel ecstatic, it’s my birthday today so it’s an extra surprise. It’s been fantastic, it’s my first ever day at the races.”
Third place will receive a £100 Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet voucher, a £100 beauty voucher courtesy of Pink Ladies, a subscription and flowers from The Cheshire Magazine, two Garden tickets for Boodles May Festival Trials Day 2027 and Chester Racecourse Champagne.
The racing season continues at Chester Racecourse in September with tickets still available for the Autumn Festival and Season Finale.
