Epsom and Ascot

We were not attending the big meetings...Derby Day and Royal Ascot...this year because of commitments to the Czech Derby in Prague.

But we did have two visits to the courses in April and May which was nice because we got to see some hopefuls for the big races of the flat season including the Frankel colt Cracksman, Both days were bitterly cold for late April and early May so I took the opportunity to wear a couple of winter stock items for the coming year to photograph for the website in situ. And bet a few winners on both day and had a lovely time with my partner equestrian artist David Dent. Both courses are easily accessible from Clapham junction in a short journey. So take the opportunity to dress up be it in summer finery or winter warmth there's racing at Ascot Kempton Sandown etc all year round though Epsom is just in the spring and summer flat season.

So here I am wearing a Swansdown 1940s couture jacket , a vintage late '70s blackglama mink and two different fur felt designer hats which you can find in our vintage section.

Cracksman won at Epsom and I backed him on the strength of that for the Derby at 14/1 each way and he ran a great 3rd place and was near favourite on the day. So attending such races in advance of the big ones you can pick out the stars of the future.