Ripon Races ladies day

IN A year where the weather has blighted many racing fixtures and on a day when thunderstorms lashed only a few miles away, Ladies Day at Ripon Races was blessed with a fine afternoon.

Hats and posh frocks were in abundance and thankfully stayed dry. For the first time this year the fashion marquee welcomed a charity luncheon to raise funds for the Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies.

Between races guests enjoyed catwalk fashion shows throughout the afternoon from the graduating fashion designers of Harrogate College and many elegantly attired women from around the course were selected to participate in the parade of Best Dressed Ladies.

Sponsored this year by Cosgroves fashion house in Clitheroe, this year's Best Dressed Lady competition was run by Chrissy Mulligan of Harrogate, closely followed by the stunning Claire Brook and Nicole Kellet.

Winner of the Best Hat this year was Jane Hernon of East Morton who nobly donated back her prize vouchers, flowers and champagne as prizes in the Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies charity raffle.

Sporting matching ostritch feather shoes, bag, and hat, Caroline Bowler Brown of Northallerton scooped the prize in the Best Accessories competition sponsored by lifestyle store James Brindley of Harrogate.