- Racegoers are pulling out all the fashion stops as Cheltenham Festival kicks off
- READ MORE: Zara Tindall reveals she takes style inspiration from her mother Princess Anne
It’s the first big racing festival of the Spring, and today glamorous racegoers ensured they got things off to a flying start on the first day of Cheltenham.
Fashionistas descended on the course in Gloucestershire with many putting a vibrant and colourful twist on the rural staples of tweed and fur.
Anxious to prove they can hold their own against the fashionable displays seen at Ascot and Aintree each year, racegoers dressed up in statement suits, knee-high boots and fur-trimmed hats and capes.
Perfectly coiffed women donned eye-catching prints, thigh-skimming dresses and eye-catching wide leg trousers as they arrived in their thousands to take in the first day of the action.
But not to be outdone by their female counterparts, some men added a touch of flair and opted for brightly coloured suits.
When it came to headwear, there was a sea of stylish trilby hats coming through the Festival’s doors, with others opting for striking feathered fascinators.
Check ensembles seemed to be the order of the day, with many guests opting for patterned jacket and trouser combos or mini skirts and blazer dresses.
Revellers were joined by VIPs including the King’s niece, Zara Tindall, fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper and TV personality Georgia Toffolo.
Designer date! A woman showcased her Chanel bag and Valentino belt as she opted for statement red trousers and a check blazer
Revellers were joined by VIPs including the King’s niece, Zara Tindall (pictured left), fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper and TV personality Georgia Toffolo (pictured right)
Getting the party started! One punter was quick to secure several pints of Guinness after arriving at the festival
Matchy, matchy! Racegoers in purple jackets and red hats arrive ahead of day one of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Pictured: Zara Tindall chatting with Jonny Bairstow (left) and Ben Miller (right) on day one of the festival
The daughter of Queen Anne was effortlessly elegant as she donned a mustard yellow headpiece
She appeared to be in good spirits while chatting with other attendees at Day One of Cheltenham
Zara was the image of sophistication in her elegant outfit, which was accessorised with a statement headpiece
The royal looked to be having fun as she gestured at someone with a smile, during today’s festivities
Zara appeared to be in high spirits as she smiled playfully at someone during the event this afternoon
The royal was all smiles as she enjoyed day one of the Cheltenham Festival 2025 on Tuesday afternoon
The royal looked to be in good spirits as she enjoyed conversing with other guests at the event today
Pictured: Racegoers reacting as they watched the Ultima Handicap Chase on day one of Cheltenham
Racegoers enjoyed dancing up a storm in the festival as day one of Cheltenham kicked off on Tuesday
People cheered on as others jauntily danced at the event, which kicked off this Tuesday morning
Revellers got in the spirit – despite the gloomy weather – and enjoyed the festivities this afternoon
Fashionable racegoers got in the spirit as they started dancing while attending day one of the festival
Excited revellers were in a partying mood as they took to the festival, dancing up a storm and posing for photos
Excited revellers joined in with other racegoers as they danced the afternoon away – despite the gloomy weather
Delighted – and very fashionably dressed – racegoers posed for photos at the event, which kicked off this morning
Guests were excited to enjoy some drinks and take in the races as Day One of Cheltenham kicked off
Anxious to prove they can hold their own against the fashionable displays seen at Ascot and Aintree each year, racegoers dressed up in statement suits, knee-high boots and fur-trimmed hats and capes
One racegoer put her best fashion foot forward in a crimson pink coat, worn with a stylish silk scarf
Adding a pop of fun with her headpiece, she opted for a feather adornment for the festivities this week
Zara Tindall arrived at Cheltenham Festival looking effortlessly elegant in a navy ensemble from Fairfax & Favor, teamed with a statement yellow headpiece
Zara was effortlessly elegant in a navy trench and mustard yellow fascinator as she arrived for the event
Revellers were delighted to kick off day one of the festival as they bundled up warm for the early spring chill
Large crowds gathered for day one of the event, which kicked off on Tuesday morning, March 11
Excited revellers had drinks to celebrate day one of the excitement at Cheltenham Festival 2025
Pictured: Excited racegoers toasting drinks on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival 2025 on Tuesday
Cheers! Revellers enjoyed tiny bottles of Moet as they attended day one of the Cheltenham Festival 2025
Excited revellers sipped on small bottles of bubbly as the racing event kicked off on Tuesday morning
Two racegoers were chic as ever in black coats, which they accessorised with a chic suede hat and floral headpiece
Newly-married Georgia looked sensational in bridal white as she revealed her outfit for day one of Cheltenham Festival on Monday.
The Made In Chelsea star, 30, who married her husband James Watt, 42, over the weekend, said she was ‘carrying on her honeymoon’ at the event.
Sharing a video to Instagram, ahead of the day, she explained how the colour was a ‘controversial’ choice.
Toff opted for a white dress with a matching cropped jacket that buttoned down the front by Delia Wade.
She teamed it with a pair of opaque tights, patent knee-high heeled boots by YSL and a small handbag.
To accessorise, Toff shielded her with with a chic, oval shades and popped a chunky black headband in her hair.
Georgia opted for a chic white dress with a cropped cardigan – which she accessorised with black boots
She sported a chunky white headband, accessorised with chic black sunglasses, for the event this week
Georgia, pictured, donned a black and white ensemble for day one of Cheltenham this Tuesday afternoon
Check her out! Jade Holland Cooper appeared effortlessly elegant in a three-piece check suit, teamed with a vibrant tie and a classic handbag. Jade was seen wearing her brand Holland Cooper’s newly launched Belgravia Overcoat, Kensington Waistcoat, High Waisted Straight Trouser in Heritage Sparkle Tweed
Jade was chic as ever in a tailored suit, worn with a matching coat, on day one of Cheltenham this week
Pictured: Jade Holland Cooper poses for a photo with racegoer Reggie Oisin Gallagher on day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
Jade pictured as she arrived with Julian Dunkerton, her husband, who donned some skinny jeans and a turtleneck
The couple shared a sweet moment for the cameras. Julian kept warm with a black trench coat for the event
Jade pictured enjoying a friendly chat with Mike Tindall, who looked sophisticated in a suit for the event
Mike Tindall with the glamorous Jade Holland Cooper on day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Jade pictured posing with another attendee – who looked fashionable in her purple coat – this afternoon
Mike Tindall poses for a photo on day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Racegoers donned matching outfits as they arrived for day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
One racegoer added a pop of colour to the event in a hot pink suit, which featured black fur trimming
Elsewhere, a guest looked sophisticated as ever in a navy coat with golden buttons, and a red hat
Elsewhere, one glamorous racegoer opted for a printed skirt and matching coat as she made her arrival
Others kept it simple and sophisticated, with a green turtleneck and cargos, worn with a chic black jacket
Style and warmth: This glamorous duo paired knee-high boots, thigh-skimming dresses and feathered fascinators with coats to keep warm
Making a statement: A vibrant print suit helps one racegoer stand out from the crowd, while another relies on a purple check coat to command attention
Prints charming! Two friends made sure they didn’t blend into the background with their vibrant suits
Enjoying the day with fizz! Spectators sipped on champagne while watching the sporting action get underway
Bottoms up! Racegoers enjoy a drink during day one of the Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestershire
She captioned the video: ‘Day 1 Cheltenham outfit reveal! Quite a mad one even by my standards. Wearing white with patent leather boots to Cheltenham sounds so wrong but I personally think it’s sooooo right…?
‘Eager to hear your thoughts! You know how much I adore the festival. It’s such a special treat. I’ve been up since dawn desperate to get to the course…what a week we have ahead.’
Princess Anne’s daughter Zara, 42, meanwhile, made a stylish statement in a double-breasted navy wool Victoria Coat from Fairfax & Favor, priced at £495 and featuring statement gold buttons.
She matched her outerwear to a ruffled shirt and a pair of wide-leg trousers, while sticking to a monochromatic palette for most of her other accessories – including a pair of navy £295 Chiswick Heeled Quilted Ankle Boots from Fairfax & Favor.
However, she added a pop of colour with a mustard fascinator that complemented her coat’s buttons as well as the gold chain on her £495 black Aspinal of London’s ‘Lottie’ bag.
She also added a pair of tortoise shell sunglasses and elegant gold earrings to tie her look for the first day of Cheltenham together, as the King’s niece appeared fresh-faced and excited for the day’s event.
She kept her makeup to a minimum, allowing her flawless complexion to shine through a sheer layer of foundation while opting for a soft, smokey eye look and a swipe of nude lipstick.
Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, Zara offered her best fashion advice for revellers attending the first big racing event of the year.
Pictured: The excited crowds in attendance at Cheltenham festival this afternoon, as Day One has kicked off
Coordination queens! Two revellers matched one another in beige and neutrals
Cape of warmth: One racegoer kept warm against the chilly weather with a stylish outer layer
Seeing double! These friends appeared to be inspired by one another as they wore similar ensembles for the first day of the festival
A little retail therapy? These pair of friends appeared to have arrived with a change of clothes – or enjoyed a shopping session at the festival
Neutral but nice! One couple brings fashion to the festival as they arrive for day one at the race course in Cheltenham
A racegoer with a pint of Guinness on day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Hat’s off to this racegoer who opted for a spectacular headpiece to finish off her ensemble
A fizzing good time! Another racegoer picked up some Moet for the day out at the races
One racegoer appeared to be having the time of his life as he sipped on a small bottle of Moet this afternoon
Popping the fizz! One racegoer enjoys a drink as the action gets underway on the first day of the festival
Fizzing with excitement! A couple sip on mini bottles of Moet as they join well-heeled racegoers at Cheltenham
Speaking to Hello! magazine, the mother-of-three said the key is balancing ‘elegance and practicality’.
‘Choose a classic, tailored outfit, but make sure to incorporate layers and weather-appropriate accessories,’ Zara explained. ‘For me, it’s about what works and feels good to wear.’
It comes after a supercomputer has predicted the winners from day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.Using data going all the way back to 1990, the machine has analysed every winning horse at Cheltenham while including a variety of factors such as age, betting position, past results and trainer records.
An algorithm then attributes a score of between 1 and -1 depending on how well each horse matches the winning characteristics.
The characteristics are then used to identify the horses most likely to win each race at this year’s festival – but it is bad news for favourites.
Tuesday’s top race sees Constitution Hill (8/11) as the favourite listed in the first day’s feature race – the Champion Hurdle.
While the eight-year-old missed the 2024 edition of the festival, it beat Lossiemouth at Kempton in January and remains unbeaten with eight Grade One victories.
In another of the first day’s top races – the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase – Majborough has also been tipped for victory.
Bold and beautiful! Revellers commanded attention in vibrant prints and colourful ensembles as they attended the festival
Hat’s the spirit! One racegoer showcased their fashion prowess with a bright orange feathered headpiece
Working it! These racegoers opted for eye-catching prints to make a statement with their outfits
What a laugh! These two racegoers shared a giggle as they arrived at the racecourse
Looking good: Racegoers dress in all their finery for the first day of the festival
Hat’s a good idea! This woman’s headpiece completed a fabulous ensemble
Check ensembles seemed to be the order of the day, with many guests opting for patterned jacket and trouser combos or mini skirts and blazer dresses
One racegoer kept her ensemble both warm and sophisticated with a fur hat and forest green coat
Another arrival was sophisticated in red trousers, a patterned blazer and a scarlet statement belt
This couple kept it simple and sophisticated with monochrome ensembles, featuring a chic leather jacket and blazer
Matching! Two friends opted for neutral tweed outfits as they made their sophisticated arrival to the event
One attendee made a statement in a cheetah-print coat – worn over a burgundy velour suit – today
Opting for a two-toned look, one racegoer donned a houndstooth patterned look, complete with a matching scarf
Some racegoers opted for fashionable neutral tones, consisting of beige hues, for their looks this afternoon
Footballer Jonny Evans pictured arriving at the event, in a patterned suit and beige-toned blazer
Jonny made a sophisticated arrival in his low-key, but elegant, ensemble this Tuesday afternoon
John O’Shea donned a neutral toned outfit, with a brown blazer and grey trousers, as he arrived
Pictured, excited racegoers looked giddy in anticipation to kick off day one of Cheltenham this morning
Pictured: The very fashionable racegoers in attendance wait to enter the racecourse on Tuesday
It was a busy atmosphere as racegoers arrived for day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Pictured: Racegoers arrive for day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Racegoers donned a number of colourful ensembles for the first day of the festivities this afternoon
Racegoers pictured queuing to enter the course on day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Large crowds of glamorously dressed racegoers made their arrival for Day One of Cheltenham today
Mike Tindall, wearing his Oakham Fleece Gilet in Navy from Schöffel, hands out copies of Sporting Life to racing enthusiasts at Paddington Station, London in celebration of the start of the Cheltenham Festival
Mike posed with fans as he today handed out copies of Sporting Life to racing enthusiasts at Paddington Station
The husband of Zara Tindall beamed as he kicked off Cheltenham Festival festivities this morning
Mike was all smiles as he handed out copies to commuters at Paddington Station in London this morning
Sporting Life, the renowned racing publisher, has revived their newspaper for one day only, distributing limited editions to mark the event
A commuter grinned as she took a copy of the newspaper from Mike on her travels at Paddington Station
Say cheese! Racegoers pose up a storm as they arrive on day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Laughs all round! Grinning racegoers arrive for day one of the festival in Gloucestershire
Stylish and sophisticated! Others opted for black and grey looks for the day out
Racegoers queue to get in to the racecourse ahead of the first day of action at the festival
Anyone looking to back an outsider may be best placed hedging their bets on the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which is scheduled to get underway at 1:20pm on Tuesday afternoon.
At 12/1, Workhead has been predicted to beat odds-on favourite Kopek Des Bordes (5/6) in the first race of the day.
The supercomputer also predicts that Crebilly will beat The Ultima Handicap Chase favourite The Changing Man, which is pencilled in for 2:40pm.
However, the biggest upset could come in the Mares Hurdle, with the algorithm predicting champion Lossiemouth at 4/5 to lose out to Jade De Grugy at 5/2.
Lossiemouth is also due to race against overwhelming favourite Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle at 4:00pm in the day’s headline race.