THE SPECTATOR - FEBRUARY
- rorykp
- Jan 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Kicking off the month of February, Leopardstown’s Racing Festival features a number of exciting Grade One’s including the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. Often considered as a leading trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, think of it as the perfect opportunity to expand and update your racing wardrobe.
Whilst contemplating any potential outfits, spectators should bear in mind the weather conditions. It doesn’t matter how many winnings you have in your pocket if your coat is soggy and cold. So think strategically. Invest in a decent umbrella, ideally a neutral shade, in order to compliment multiple outfits. Most importantly, layer up in wool or cashmere - sweaters, gilets, hand warmers will all be your best friends on the track. Now that you are toasty underneath any over garments, let’s take a moment to talk about the coats themselves. The most stylish of women will know that there is nothing better than parading a well fitted coat to a race day. We recommend a tailored coat with a high neckline - a rather glamorous way to hide your thermals. Take inspiration from nature and choose a shade in the rich and dark colours of Winter. Crimson, Indigo and as we’re in the Emerald Isle - why not shades of green?
This Holland Cooper Dowdeswell coat fits the brief perfectly.
Finish off your outfit with a pair of thick tights and classic knee-length boots. Chances are if you’ve travelled to Ireland for a day at the races then you want to go that extra mile and top your outfit off with a headpiece. However, those who have flown over may struggle with the confines of a suitcase when packing and worry about squashing any elaborate hats. This is where a nifty velvet bow or headband would come in handy. Clementine and Mint offer these in a range of colours with prices to suit most budgets.
Similarly, men should also pay close attention to the weather when getting dressed. A warm cotton shirt and thick wool jumper is a tried and trusted combination. A chunky roll neck would be a more modern look. Big coats are key to finishing off your outfit. If you are looking for a more formal look, we would suggest a smart Mackintosh, for example Cording’s Hampton coat. However, a battered Barbour is just as good and will forever and always work with any outfit at the track.
Ties - optional. Guinness - essential. In fact, we’ve heard it’s the only accessory needed at Leopardstown…
Whilst on the topic of hospitality, being in such close proximity to Dublin, Leopardstown is brimming with choices. Those travelling from further afield and looking for accommodation should take note that the race course itself partners with Race & Stay. They offer package deals that include tickets and stays at a number of local leading hotels. Don’t let your day end as the last horse passes the finishing post, hop on the train and head into the city centre to explore the restaurants and pubs of Dublin. The Spectator can personally recommend a trip to The Blind Pig - Ireland’s longest-running speakeasy. Hidden behind a secret door, this quirky little spot serves everything from Italian inspired dishes to whiskey flavoured cocktails - complete with live jazz music in the background!
A Super ‘Stylish’ Saturday:
Newbury does its own thing. It doesn’t abide by anyone else’s rules and neither should you when it comes to dressing for the occasion. The Berkshire bunch are well dressed and anything goes. Local heroine ‘Henrietta Knight’ will have inspired plenty of roll necks and pearls but you’ll also find a younger crowd ‘down from town’ in the stands. Think ankle-length wool trench coats, bright body bags, and thick-soled boots. It's cosy but cool. Finally, to be the trendiest at the tote, finish your outfit with a pop of colour in the form of a ‘Patcha’ fluffy hat. Sustainably produced in the Andes, these 100% alpaca fur hats come in a range of colours - we love Pistachio or Sky Blue. Who says the jockeys are the only ones to wear all the colour?
Chaps, if you are also searching for the perfect hat for Newbury then look no further than a baker boy cap. The trendier cousin of the beloved tweed flat cap, baker boys offer all the warmth but with a little edge. This Hicks & Brown unisex cap comes in a Charcoal tweed that would fit right in with the Newbury crowd.
Looking for a nearby spot to wash down your winnings? The Woodspeen is just the place. This once run down country pub is now a Michelan star mecca for fine dining and cocktails. We’d recommend trying their signature cocktail ‘The Woodspini’ - a mix of gin and dry vermouth blended with pickled onion.
written by Katie Gibson
Do you have any fashion tips or tricks or places racegoers should stay, drink or eat? Pop your comments below.
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