Now that the flat racing season is drawing to a close, all eyes are on the jumping game and we can look forward to some thrilling racing. But during the Autumn and Winter months, fashion continues to play a big part in a day at the races.
While the summer months are associated with high fashion stakes and best dressed lady competitions, the theme is being continued with the changing seasons.
Fashion was on the agenda at the recent Yorkshire Jump Season Launch which took place at Wetherby Racecourse. Millbry Hill, an independent family-run business with 5 Equestrian and Country Stores based in the North of England, were on hand to showcase some key looks.
Emma Jones, Business Coordinator said: “Winter dressing is about combating the elements. We have put together some looks that are not only stylish and on trend but provide warmth as well. We stock a range of brands so there is plenty of choice and accessories are a great way of changing or freshening up an outfit.”
Photo 1 – Fairfax & Favour handbag and shoes are great for accessorising any outfit, Sophie wears the newly launched grey colourway, which looks fabulous alongside the Holland Cooper pink tweed suit.
Photo 2 –Chris is wearing the exclusive Barbour Icon jacket, produced to celebrate Barbour’s 125 years of trading. Sophie wears the Schoffel Burley fleece which is great for keeping you warm at the races and has finished the outfit off with a Clare Haggas scarf.
Both outfits on display at the Yorkshire Jumps Launch are available at any Millbry Hill Store and at www.millbryhill.co.uk.
This was highlighted by the Clare Haggas Classic Magenta Scarf, which is exclusive to Millbry Hill
Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Joules have released their classic Fieldcoat in the popular Mr Toad tweed which is lined with special edition navy and bright flowers.
“This is one of our top selling styles in women’s wear,” reported Emma.
Another brand celebrating their anniversary, although considerably older than Joules, is Barbour who have been on the go for 125 years. To mark the occasion, they have launched the icons range and the reengineering of the classic Beaufort coat was on display at the Yorkshire Jumps Launch.
Performance wear is key to jockeys and riders of all abilities, particularly at this time of year when protection from the weather is required. Yorkshire’s racing specialist saddler, White Rose Saddlery showcased new Italian brand Jobea which was modelled by jump jockey Sean Quinlan.
Highlighting the qualities of the garments, Wendy said: “The shirt fabric is fleece lined for warmth, breathable, showerproof and windproof, but the most important part is that it is lightweight.”
Sean’s weighing room colleague Henry Brooke sported a Jomiluti waterproof, all weather suit, designed for riding out and exercising horses.
“This suit will keep the rider completely dry while allowing the skin to breath and transport moisture away from the body. The trouser and jacket have elastic insets at the sides which prevent the jacket riding up and causing a cold gap. It is also almost silent, which is a great advantage when riding and working with young thoroughbred horses.” Said Wendy.
A real talking piece of the outfit was the earmuffs which velcro into the side of the rider’s helmet and are fleece lined.
“They are very popular with staff in the racing industry, who spend a lot of time riding on windy hills, but they are ideal for any rider or equestrian discipline,” commented Wendy.
The Yorkshire jump season starts tomorrow (Wednesday, October 15) at Wetherby Racecourse. They will be hosting a ‘Best Peaky’ competition on Saturday, November 16 at the Peaky Blinder style raceday.
Doncaster’s opening jump meeting on Saturday, November 30, hosts a best dressed couple competition, while Catterick’s jumping finale fixture will include a best dressed competition on Wednesday, March 4.