The ladies of Chester pulled out all the stops in an array of colourful outfits as they stepped out at the annual Boodles May Festival today.
Living up to the area’s glamorous reputation, thousands of women made the most of the sunshine in daring necklines and showstopping dresses.
The event is billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’, and excited revellers were determined to showcase their fashion prowess.
With Chester operating a far less strict dress code than other racing events, such as Royal Ascot, guests took full advantage of the relaxed sartorial guidelines as they gathered for the annual race meeting.
Many attendees donned thigh-grazing ensembles, while others commanded attention when opting for plunging looks.
Girls’ day out! The ladies of Chester embraced the warmer weather with shoulder-baring and thigh-grazing dresses at the annual Boodles May Festival
Two of a kind! Ellie Leach and a reveller showed off their drop waist dresses on the first day of the racing festival
Among the well-heeled guests was England football legend Michael Owen, 46, who walked in alongside his children, daughter Gemma and son James, and wife Louise.
Love Island star and dressage rider, Gemma, 23, opted for a chic pale blue shirt dress as she arrived with the former Liverpool star.
Gemma teamed her stylish look with a navy blue blazer, and the whole family sported matching outfits during the sunny outing.
The star previously rose to fame on Love Island in 2022 thanks to her romance with Luca Bish, but she is now dating horse rider Red Morgan.
The star recently shared she’d be swapping dressage for the home straight, and she will be riding in the Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood on July 30.
She is currently in training for the race, and is working at Manor House Stables – which her dad established in 2007.
Speaking about the race, Gemma said last month: ‘I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Markel Magnolia Cup this year.
‘Believe it or not, I had never sat on a racehorse until a couple of months ago and the training so far has been humbling to say the least.
Yellow there! With summer around the corner, lighter colours like butter were popular
Like father, like daughter! Liverpool FC legend Michael Owen with Gemma, as the pair both opted to wear blue. While the model wore a blazer over an ankle-skimming dress, Michael opted for an impeccably tailored suit
Former Manchester United star Paul Ince also colour coordinated with wife, Claire, as the couple both opted for blue outfits
Chef and former Strictly contestant Simon Rimmer holds hands with his wife Ali, who donned a bright red pantsuit
Family fun! Michael and Louise Owen were all smiles on the first day of the races, billed as the ‘pinnacle of Chester’s social calendar’
‘Spending more time at Manor House Stables, seeing how a racing yard runs like clockwork and getting out onto the gallops, has been an incredible experience.’
‘It is an even bigger challenge than I initially expected but I’m excited to take part in such a prestigious fundraising event which raises so much money for charities supporting women and children.’
The Markel Magnolia Cup has raised more than £3.5 million for charities supporting women and children since its inception in 2011, and this year it will raise funds for Education Above All Foundation.
Former Manchester United star Paul Ince was also spotted among the crowd today, alongside chef and former Strictly contestant, Simon Rinner.
Each stand at Chester Racecourse adheres to a specific dress code policy. If you’re in the Chester Members and Private Hospitality area, there is a ‘strictly smart’ style guide, with ladies encouraged to don longer-length skirts and dresses, chic trouser suits and statement hats.
The Winning Post and County Long Room and Concourse enclosures suggest a ‘dress to impress’ mentality, recommending clutch bags, fascinators and mix-and-match colour schemes.
The Tattersalls enclosure urges guests to ‘make a statement’ with their outfits, listing jumpsuits and tailored shorts, maxi dresses and headbands and hair accessories as strong choices.
The most casual stands are the Dee and Open Course, where relaxed summer dresses, shorts and T-shirts and sunglasses are welcomed.
The opening day of the festival features Cheshire Oaks and Chester Vase races, with £100,000 prize money at stake for the latter.
