The November Meet at Cheltenham Racecourse- Round Up 🐎
Well, where do we begin with this one? So the November meet at Cheltenham Racecourse wasn’t quite as we expected, when day one was abandoned due to the horrendous rainfall that we had. This left the course both flooded and water logged in places. After course inspections it was decided that racing wouldn’t go ahead on the Friday of the meet, but racing would resume as normal for the weekend. I know there were lots of people disappointed on Friday, as was I, and it must be an incredibly hard decision to call, but obviously safety has to come first. Cheltenham races hasn’t had to abandon a meet since 2013. Fortunately two of the Friday races were moved to the weekend, which was fabulous news for racing fanatics.
I hope you enjoy the two day round up below from the weekend of racing. I have put together a ‘what I wore’ section within each daily round up for you to see the look I went for, or to give you some outfit inspiration for your next race day, as well as a handy round up of the days racing!
Enjoy …
Saturday 16th November
I want to be totally honest with you here, I went to this race day alone. I spend a lot of time on my own due to my job, and I actually don’t have a problem with going places or doing things on my own. But I suppose when you plan to go somewhere with someone and it doesn’t happen, that’s a slightly different scenario. I knew without doubt that I would know some people on the day, I know some people working there and I suspected I would probably bump into people I knew, but I was still undecided how I would feel once I got there.
I did brave this day alone and honestly….. it was completely fine – I had a really lovely day. Due to the abandoning the Friday, they moved a couple of races over to the weekend days, meaning time between races was even shorter. This meant that I had even less time spent just wandering around the course alone.
I, of course, wanted to start the day with the shopping village. This is bigger at the November meet and the Festival, and extends across several marquees with lots of exhibitors attending. I love the stands inside and if you need true race day outfit inspiration, then its these stands to have a look at!
Having driven to the event, coffee, as opposed to the usual Guinness, was on the checklist. Cheltenham Racecourse does have Costa Coffee, but also has some independent coffee stands, depending on what you prefer, there is also a huge array of food, and a food marquee. The November meet also holds the ever popular Guinness Village.
The racing today was incredible and some of my favourite horses came in doing an absolutely fantastic job. The November meet is really the start of the road to the Festival, and the atmosphere always reflects this. I have such a huge appreciation for these athletes and there is nothing I love more than seeing them out racing, doing what they love. Highlights for me were seeing Thyme Hill and Golan Fortune winning. It was great to listen to Sam Lee following his win on Golan Fortune, I was so happy for them. Of course Saturday also hosts the main race, the BetVictor Gold Cup, which Richard Patrick won aboard Happy Diva- such a brilliant race, a long awaited for those who are fans of jump racing.
Cheltenham had done the most incredible job of the ground. The course is so incredibly well looked after, it is truly beautiful here and I feel so spoilt that this amazing course is just on my doorstep!
What I wore …
Although the day started brightly, and the sun was shining, Cheltenham Racecourse does seem to have its own climate, and you need to dress accordingly. I went for Autumn colours and style, with lots of layers to keep me toasty whilst outside all day.
My hat is by High Bird Designs. I love wearing a fedora, not only are the classic race day style, but they keep my hair under control – it’s usually pretty windy at the course so it helps to keep everything in place, but also protects you from any unexpected showers – which we actually managed to escape this time! I paired this fedora with my Finches Twilly again, as I did for the October meet. I love this different look, and it is a nice change from the usual hat pins if you’re wanting to try something different.
My roll neck jumper is an old season Joules, however, you can find these in most places. I love a really chunky cable knit, and the thick jumper is loose enough to be able to pile the layers on underneath, you could wear thermals underneath or layer up thinner tops to ensure you stay warm enough. The high roll neck on this means you don’t have to worry about any underneath layers showing through. I popped an Eton Taylor pom-pom checked scarf under the roll of the jumper, the colours in this are nice and Autumny- adding some addition colour to the outfit.
I wore my beautiful Fairfax and Favor Elizabeth Gilet to the this meet. I have been dying to wear this racing but it was just too wet and rainy for the October meet. I have written a full review about this product in a previous blog post (A review of the Elizabeth Gilet by Fairfax and Favor 🐑) . I have to say this gilet did keep me toasty warm for the day, the only thing I would say is it doesn’t have pockets, so it is handy that my bag was easy to get in and out of.
I went for one of my favourite cord skirts to finish this outfit, you know I’ve already spoken highly of this Primark cord skirt. I also wore it to the last race meet, I just can’t get enough of it, and it is current season. I paired it with some of Primark’s fleece lined tights – if you love wearing skirts or dresses all year round – these are seriously worth a buy as you won’t remember life without them. I wore my trusty leather Regina boots by Fairfax and Favor, with some orange tassels to match!
My bag was the Grey Mini Windsor, also by Fairfax and Favor. This little bag has also previously featured in a blog, where I let you know that for a smaller bag, it could actually fit a great deal in, and for Cheltenham this was no exception, it was easy enough to open and close and I had enough space to keep everything I needed inside.
I wore all my usual jewellery, and watch by Morris Richardson.
Sunday 17th November
I met up with my gorgeous friend Sarah (instagram @sarahlou_shotgunsandpups) for the Sunday of the meet. I met Sarah a while ago out on a Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club day and we have stayed in touch ever since.
Racing was as thrilling as always, with a win for Defi Du Seuil in the 2.25, and a 2nd for Politologue who is one of my favourites. Only two of the favourites on the day came first, out of a 7 race day. The course had still remained in pretty good shape, despite the worries from the rainfall previously. There was also pony racing ahead of the normal racing on the Sunday. If you haven’t watched Pony racing before, it’s definitely worth a watch!!
Sarah and I watched the racing and were able to shop in between. We both had our eye on a couple of things that we wanted to go and have a look at and try! The shopping village at the November meet is great, definitely the perfect place to put together a Christmas wish list.
What I wore …
For the Sunday, I equally went for warmth! It was a much cloudier and greyer start to the day, and layering up to keep warm was also a focus when choosing this outfit.
I opted for a simple cream roll neck here, this one I think was actually just Primark again. They are great for stocking up on simple layers. I popped a layer underneath this too- never underestimate a vest. Layers are great for trapping heat and keeping you warm.
Over the roll neck, I wore my favourite Welligogs coat. This is a black velvet jacket which looks incredible with anything and everything, and is so easy to dress up or down. I’ve worn it racing a couple of times now and it looks fab. The jacket style is very flattering- as with all Welligogs jackets. Over the jacket I have worn one of the tweed print cashemere and fur scarves by Eton Taylor. These wraps are great for leaving open during the day, but wrapping yourself up in when it starts to get cooler.
I wore the tan version of the Primark cord skirt. As I’ve mentioned before, race day outfits don’t have to cost a fortune. This skirt is current season and was a bargain- so if you like the style definitely worth seeing if you can pick one of these up in store. The skirt has belt loops and I used one of my favourite hair on hide belts from Hicks and Brown to cinch in the waist.
I’ve paired the skirt with black fleece lined tights (primark again!) and the Welligogs Megara Boots. These are gorgeous brown suede and leather over the knee boots, they are so comfortable and completely the look perfectly.
For my accessories, my gorgeous hat and pin on the Sunday were from High Bird Designs, and my bag was the Elizabeth Evening Bag from Grays. My usual jewellery and Morris Richardson watch completed the look.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this round up. I also want to say, if you do have plans or somewhere you want to go, and you’re either let down, or it ends up that you may have to go alone if you want to go – please go. I know the thought of being on your own can be scary, but losing out on having a great day is something that can be avoided. You will have the freedom to choose what you do and when you do it, and I can guarantee you’ll meet some lovely people along the way and you won’t feel alone at all. If the deciding factor on your day is going alone or not going, get in that car and go it alone, it could be the best decision you make – and if it’s not, you have the freedom to turn back whenever you need to.
We will meet back again in December for more racing blog posts, but that’s all for now. I will, however, be seeing you very soon with another exciting post.
Don’t forget you can catch up with me daily over on my Instagram – @countryclassiclucinda.
See you soon,
Lots of love, Lucinda, xo
‘Don’t wait for the opportunity – create it!’ – Unknown
