Situated near London in Esher, Surrey, Sandown Park Racecourse offers racing all year round.

Tingle all the way to the pre-Christmas Betfair Tingle Creek Festival!! Oh what fun it is to attend this highlight of Sandown’s jump racing calendar. From Friday 5th to Saturday 6th December  featuring The Betfair Tingle Creek Chase.

Official Dress Code

Officially there is no dress code – their motto is ‘Dress to feel Your Best’ – the more relaxed and comfortable you feel, the more likely you are to have a great time.

So that could mean wearing a nice sweatshirt, pair of jeans and clean trainers or for a big race meeting such as Tingle Creek Festival you may choose to dress up.  Whichever you decide, remember to dress for the weather. Hats are not required. 

Fancy dress is permitted as long as the outfit is not offensive and the racecourse reserves the right to decline entry should the need arise. Sports team kits are not permitted.

For the Ladies, We Say…

The Coat

For those winter races such as The Tingle Creek Chase, wrapping up warm means  your coat will be attracting all the attention and becomes the fashion priority.Choose a cheerful colour such as reds/oranges to brighten up a dull day (after all it is nearly Christmas). Choose wool for warmth, faux fur as a fun glamorous option or snuggle up in a puffa coat.

Knitwear

Standing outside will be cold, so layering is key with a jumper or cardigan. Go festive with a Christmas jumper. Team with warm trousers, midi skirt or mini with thick tights.

The Hat

Although a hat is not required it will keep your head warm from the winter chill whilst completing your race day outfit. Colourful berets, felt fedoras and faux furs will add a flamboyant touch or go for a colourful wool hat and matching scarf. 

The Boot

Boots are a good option for the winter races. They keep feet and legs warm on a chilly raceday and you could sneak on a pair of socks (no one will know).

Heels on boots can be lower and chunkier without losing points on style – great when you are standing on your feet all day. Plus if the weather is really bad and wet, somehow muddy boots don’t look half as bad as muddy shoes.

Ankle boots are perfect for both cold and milder days. Just add thicker tights and a pair of socks if the weather is cold. Also it gives you an opportunity to wear block coloured or patterned tights to brighten up your outfit.

For the Gentlemen, We Say…

The weather will be cold and chilly so go layer up for warmth with a thick blazer, jumper and a smart overcoat.

The Overcoat

Without a warm overcoat you will definitely feel the cold when you spend the whole day outdoors. For the sartorial look go for a wool coat and for a more casual look go for the waterproof padded jacket. The advantage of a padded jacket is they usually have hoods which is a great advantage if it is raining or windy. Plus they usually have plenty of pockets. An advantage of a wool overcoat is they are longer in length so will keep your lower body warm. 

Knitwear

Chunky or fine – this will depend on the rest of your outfit. Fine knitwear is good for layering – over a shirt and/or underneath a suit jacket/fitted blazer. The heavier yarn is best as a stand alone underneath a thick jacket, coat or puffer jacket. Choosing wool is best for the cold weather, as is breathable and warm. Roll/polo necks will help keep your neck warm. Christmas jumpers can add fun and colour to your look.

The Hat

A hat will help to keep your head warm and dry from the winter weather whilst adding a dapper flair. Go for the flat/Baker boy cap or a felt trilby hat. Flat caps complement a tweed suit and trilby an overcoat but this is not set in sartorial stone. Woolly hats and scarves are also acceptable.

Shoes and Socks

Traditionally brogues are worn with tweed and they are also good for walking on soggy grass; after all this hardy shoe came from soggy origins. Originating in Scotland and Ireland, it started as a heavy untanned leather with perforations which were not for decoration but to allow water to drain from the shoes whilst walking through bogs and other wetlands. It became a country walking and sports shoe when the gentry saw the benefits and is ideal for the winter races.

Again another way to add personality and brighten your outfit is with a pair of colourful/patterned socks.

An alternative to the brogue is the smart boot providing more warmth and also more protection if you encounter any muddy puddles.

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