(estimated 3 minute read time)
Ladies’ Day at the Epsom Derby Festival is one of the most celebrated days in the British flat racing calendar and has been a long-standing tradition dating back to the 19th century.
During the Victorian era, horse racing was a popular pastime for both men and women, and it was customary for women to wear their finest attire to the races. The first recorded Ladies’ Day at Epsom Downs took place in 1829, but it was not until the 1870s that it became an established part of the festival. Nowadays, Ladies’ Day always takes place on the first day of the two-day festival, which is normally held on the first weekend in June.
In the early days, Ladies’ Day was a chance for women to show off their fashionable outfits and socialise with friends and acquaintances. The races were also an opportunity for women to indulge in some gambling, as betting was legal and socially acceptable at the time.
As the 20th century dawned, Ladies’ Day at Epsom became even more popular, with thousands of women flocking to the racecourse each year to enjoy the spectacle. The day was marked by a parade of fashion, with women sporting the latest styles and accessories. The races themselves were also a highlight, with some of the greatest horses in history competing for glory on the famous Downs. The highly prestigious Oaks which predates The Derby by one year (1779) is run on Ladies’ Day and offers a thrilling race for revellers.
Over time, Ladies’ Day evolved to become more than just a day of fashion and horse racing. It became a symbol of women’s empowerment, as women began to challenge traditional gender roles and assert their independence. The suffragette movement, which fought for women’s right to vote, was at its peak during the early 20th century, and the races became a platform for women to make their voices heard. None more so than Emily Davison who famously lost her life protesting at the Epsom Derby in 1913 after running out into the track and being struck by King George V’s horse Anmer.
During the World Wars (1914-1918 and 1939-1945), racing at Epsom Downs Racecourse was put on hold, as the land was requisitioned by the military. But after the war, the festival returned with renewed vigour, and Ladies’ Day continued to be a highlight of the racing calendar.
In recent years, Ladies’ Day has taken on a more modern tone, with a focus on entertainment and hospitality, with the ‘Style of The Downs’ competition being held to celebrate high fashion and the best dressed ladies in attendance. Live music, food and drink, top-class racing and a real party atmosphere are the order of proceedings on Ladies’ Day.
Despite the changes over the years, Ladies’ Day at Epsom remains an important and beloved tradition, steeped in history and culture. It continues to attract thousands of women each year, who come to celebrate fashion, style, and the thrill of the races.
