Last week the Jockey Club, which run 14 racecourses in the UK including Cheltenham, announced they would be removing the requirement of a formal dress code for spectators.
The decision was made in an effort to make going to the races a more inclusive experience, as racegoers will no longer be restricted to certain enclosures based on what they are wearing.
The change has been made with immediate effect, and will therefore be in place for Cheltenham Festival next month.
Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of The Jockey Club explained the decision, saying: “Horseracing has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important to us to be accessible and inclusive.”
However, there has been a mixed response from racing fans on social media.
Some people welcome the changes, as the sport looks to grow its audience.
Keep up to date with the Park Life Sport live blog
Cheltenham Town Ladies end Oxford United’s unbeaten run
Others feel the removal of the dress code may detract from occasions such as the Gold Cup.
Cheltenham Festival begins on Tuesday, March 14, with the prestigious Gold Cup taking place on the final day of the festival, Friday, March 17.
