‘It encourages mediocrity’: new dress code divides Cheltenham racegoers

Jockey Club says relaxed code makes racing more accessible but some are unimpressed by the less well-dressed

Looking across the packed stands of Cheltenham Racecourse on day one of this year's festival, it is fair to say the usual mix of tweed suits, blazers, flat caps and feather-topped country hats dominated.

But after the Jockey Club's decision to ease dress restrictions across its courses, there was also a noticeable increase in denim jeans and leather jackets - and even the odd tracksuit on show.