When: 16 June
Joanne Black Style: Sharon Wauchob dress with Jitrois belt, YSL silver tribune heels, YSL clutch and Philip Treacy pink hat.

Those who think Ascot is about horse racing and Champagne, obviously haven’t been to Ascot. This is an event that would perhaps be best described as a catwalk show in a car park. I say car park, because I seemed to spend most of my day in one.

Firstly, I had to act my way into the car park reserved for jockeys and trainers by pretending to be a jockey’s wife. (I think the BMW Z4 green sports convertible I was

driving played an important part.) And then, after doing my turn on the racing catwalk, I was straight back to another car park for the after-party – where I met legendary Irish folk singer Paddy Reilly, the man behind The Fields of Athenry.
Thankfully, I did manage to leave the tarmac behind temporarily and find my way to Paddy Power’s private box. It was the perfect place to soak up the racing style scene, catch up with friend Kelley and the Bourke family – who had invited me for the day – and see my horse come in last (so much for the luck of the Irish!).

 

Paddy’s wife Sabena Power – dressed in a white Armani suit, Philip Treacy hat, Chloé shoes and great bag by Zagliani – was a charming hostess. Daughter Tessa Power wore a beautiful navy blue dress by Marc Jacobs; Kelley’s mother Mary opted for a stunning pink suit, Philip Treacy hat and vintage diamond necklace, and regular racegoer Chanelle McCoy – wife of champion jockey Anthony McCoy – looked elegant in a white fitted Amanda Wakeley suit, with a red satin Luella bag and patent LK Bennett shoes. Her hat was a fabulous red and white Robin Hood inspired creation, complete with pearls.

I did pick up a useful racing fashion tip on my day out – always remember to check the dress code before you decide what to wear. My Sharon Wauchob number was a little on the short side for the Royal Enclosure and left my shoulders exposed (two rules broken). Losing the belt and borrowing Kelley’s fur, however, transformed me into a respectable race-goer fit for a Queen!