Musselburgh Ladies Day: A head start for the girls

Glitz and glamour are the winners as sun shines down on the annual Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse.

WITH a sea of glamorous feathered headpieces and a riot of colourful styles, it was hats off for Ladies Day 2008 at Musselburgh Racecourse.

A crowd of more than 8000 thronged the East Lothian racing ground at Saturday's sold-out event, soaking up the sun, the buzzing atmosphere – and the races themselves. And, with a glass of Pommery in one hand, and a statement clutch in another, the fashion conscious female guests showcased their outfits.

This, for many, was what it was really all about. Outlandish encrusted fascinators, miniature Vivienne Westwood-inspired top hats, vertiginous heels, flimsy cocktail dresses – Lothian's finest did Ladies Day proud.

Corporate event attendees, mother and daughters, hen parties, birthday parties – the women were diverse, but the glamour remained.

"That's what it's all about," summed up 26-year-old Joanna Mackie, a beauty therapist from Trinity. "All women love an excuse to buy a pretty dress and get glammed up. The atmosphere is fantastic, the women look amazing and we can't believe we haven't done it sooner."

Siobhan Edgar, 28, a marketing executive from Marchmont agreed. "There's such a great ambiance and everyone's made such an effort. I was here last year and loved it. It's a good chance to get dressed up and have fun."

Friends Catherine Thirlaway and Tamzin Servante-Waugh chose to stand out by customising their dresses. "It's so glamorous," beamed 25-year-old investment development analyst Catherine, from Marchmont. "A good effort from all the women. I have to say the men could have tried harder."

Dougie Thomson, 26, from Leith certainly did. Dressed in a pink suit, the self-proclaimed Mr Pink joked: "I'm secure in my masculinity so pink is the colour for me."

But is was 50-something Allan Laurie from Musselburgh who was crowned the best dressed male. "It just comes down to trying your best," laughed Dougie.

Fashion in the Field contests were held all day, with King of Style, Most Stylish Hat, Style Icons and the coveted Queen of Style, where the winner walked away with Suzuki car.

Most stylish hat winner Joanne Davidson from Grangemouth was equally modest. "I'm so surprised to win," laughed the 33-year-old travel agent. "I borrowed the hat from my friend who's a local designer. There's so many gorgeous hats out there. There was definitely stiff competition."

There certainly was. Carol Irvine, 35, a mortgage advisor from Musselburgh, and Angela Inglis, 31, an events manager from Roseburn decided to create their own hats with an animal theme.

But the biggest competition was for Queen of Style – won by Jill Sinclair from Glasgow.

"It is my first time here and I can't believe I've won. I am really shocked," she said.. "I don't even have a car so it's fantastic. Today has been amazing and the atmosphere is just something."