Off to a stylish start – Plumpton opens new National Hunt season with Ladies Day
Racing, fashion and Sussex’s unsung heroines take centre stage at Plumpton’s season opener.
Image Darren Cool
Plumpton Racecourse’s long-awaited Ladies Day returned in spectacular style on Sunday 20th September, combining a thrilling afternoon of National Hunt racing with fashion, entertainment and a special celebration of eight women who make a difference across Sussex.
The Mansell McTaggart Ladies Day at the Season Opener marked the official opening of Plumpton’s 2026/27 National Hunt season, following the cancellation of the original fixture in May.
After months of waiting, racegoers finally got their chance to enjoy one of Plumpton’s most popular days of the year, with the South Downs providing a spectacular backdrop to an afternoon of racing, dressing up and entertainment.
Racing gets the new season underway
The new season got underway at Plumpton with Eternal Angel taking the Friends & Family Remembering Norman Sharpe Handicap Hurdle, the feature race on the day for jockey Stan Sheppard, trainer Tom Lacey and owners Value Racing – Eternal Angel.
There was also a double on the day for trainer Chris Gordon and jockey Freddie Gordon. Jefe Triunfo won the Mansell McTaggart Mane Event Handicap Hurdle for owner Miss Jane Goddard and Khalk’eau Spigaowon the Only Horsepower Handicap Hurdle for owner Mr D S Dennis & Mr John HW Finch.
There were also wins on the day from Getarose, Arcturus Flame, One Dimensional and Shane’s Spirit.
Sussex Heroines celebrated
Away from the track, eight inspirational women from across Sussex were given a special welcome as Plumpton’s Sussex Heroines, recognising the contribution they make through their work and volunteering for local charities and community organisations.
The women, representing Chailey Heritage Foundation, Safe in Sussex, Dame Vera Lynn Trust, Sussex Cancer Fund, Together Co and St Peter and James Hospice, had originally been invited to Ladies Day in May as a thank you for the difference they make to others.
Following the cancellation, Plumpton was determined to ensure their special day still went ahead – and on Sunday they took centre stage in the Hats for Heroines show, where the women modelled bespoke millinery creations by local designer Joanna Zara in a special pre-racing fashion event.
And the best dressed winners were…
Fashion was very much part of the occasion, with racegoers embracing the opportunity to don their glad rags for a day at the races.
There were competitions for Best Dressed Child, Gents and Ladies who received prizes from Holland Cooper, Buxted Park Hotel, Harvey’s Brewery, Henners, Profiles, Burridge, Washbrooks Family Farm and Mid Sussex Golf Club.
The winners were among a host of racegoers who embraced the occasion, with statement hats, elegant dresses and smart tailoring adding to the colourful atmosphere around the racecourse.
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Celebrating the return of Ladies Day
With live music, food and drink, family entertainment and an after party featuring Mint DJs, the celebrations continued beyond the final race.
Guy Chadwell, CEO of Plumpton Racecourse said: “It was wonderful to see Plumpton buzzing with excitement as we opened our new National Hunt season. We’veenjoyed a brilliant day of racing, fashion and entertainment, with a fun, family atmosphere around the racecourse. Ladies Day is all about bringing people together for a memorable day out in the country, and it’s been great to see racegoers embracing the occasion and making the most of the day. We’re already looking forward to the season ahead.”
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