Zara and Mike Tindall
(Picture: PA)Pheasant feathers and country coats are back out in full force as Cheltenham Festival gets into full swing.
The jumps racing event, which runs March 15 to 18, is packed with top tier races including the Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Plate before culminating with Friday’s hotly anticipated Gold Cup at 15:30, which this year is sponsored by luxury jeweller Boodles.
Annually, the festival attracts a gaggle of celebrities which stretch from royalty – Princess Anne is a fan – to reality TV stars including Made in Chelsea’s Georgia Toffolo and Love Island’s Chris Hughes.
So far this year, the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Tindall has been spotted with rugby player husband Mike and brother Phillip, sporting a burgundy Karen Millen cape jacket with matching millinery and bag, a Laura Green houndstooth coat, and deep green dress coat with a croc Aspinal of London bag.
Rod Stewart arrived on Tuesday with wife Penny Lancaster, who looked every inch the jockey in tan riding boots and tweed tailored jacket, while the singer himself kept it simple in a beige overcoat and five-button jacket.
The racing set has turned up the outfits too. Champion jockey Frankie Dettori has been seen in an olive green suit polished with raised fedora, while ITV Racing’s ever glamourous presenter Francesca Cumani opted for a navy blue pillbox hat on the first day, and houndstooth turquoise dress coat today.
Wednesday also marked Ladies Day, which promises some of the most extravagant looks from the racegoers. This year heavy rain has failed to dampen spirts, as floods of oversized head gear, electric shade coats, and a fair few stilettos have taken to the track at Prestbury Park.
The wind has been less fortunate on wearers of the most intricate hats, but with umbrellas out and mini Moët bottles in hand, spirits appeared to remain high.
With St Patrick’s Day on Thursday, punters put on their green to make celebratory statements. Away from the clover print, novelty suits and the odd experiment with face paint, chic teal fascinators and forest green over coats have been spotted across the track.
Chris Hughes made a nod to the Irish with a spring of shamrock on his lapel, while Princess Anne avoided the subject entirely in a burnt orange coat and some stylish cycling shades.
