The Archive

Ladies' day, also the longest day. Hmmmm

That’s right, the day when ladies race one another over five furlongs whilst braying toffs bet on who will win.

Originally, races were held in just normal dresses, but after the Duchess of Pevensey notoriously won the 1893 race by the length of a bonnet’s rim, headgear that could offer the vital extra few inches advantage (known as ‘winner brims’) became de riguer.


Ladies jostle for position at the start line. Note the ‘winner brims’

Originally only titled ladies were permitted to race. However, as with so many sports, the spectre of professionalism rose its head and ‘ringers’ have started to appear.

These ringers can often be spotted because their lack of experience running whilst wearing‘winner brims’ often leads them to adopt smaller headgear (although many will claim these smaller hats are merely an expression of their confidence in their footspeed).


Judging by the headwear, a ringer perhaps?

Ladies day is such a popular event, women will consider any ruse to get into the venue and sneak on the race. Disguises typically tend to involve masquerading as a member of staff, although more ingenious cheats have been known to try to enter disguised as chairs, barstools and even ashtrays (pictured).



Despite the emergence of the classless society, Ascot remains an important date in the social calendar and now the posh and common alike mingle to watch the ladies race.

However, commentators fear that the rise of mud wrestling, foxy boxing and the Internet will put paid to this most traditional of races.

Let’s hope not eh?

posted by Peter The Great @ 3:57 PM