Zara Phillips plays it safe in white mac at Cheltenham Ladies' Day

By Maysa Rawi

Cream of the crop: Zara Phillips attends Ladies' Day at Cheltenham, winning style points in a cream military-inspired coat and knee-high boots


It was clear that when Zara Phillips entered the enclosure at Cheltenham she had planned not to attract any attention - despite it being Ladies' Day.

The young Royal continued to play it safe with her wardrobe choices, opting for yet more sophisticated tailoring in neutral colours.

But the pretty blonde stood out nonetheless, in a striking cream military style coat and black knee-high boots.


All smiles: The young Royal holds hands with fiance, rugby player Mike Tindall, who looked smart in a suit


In tow was fiance Mike Tindall, who appeared dapper in a suit and blue tie.

The couple, who live together in a three-storey house nearby, happily held hands, proving their seven year relationship shows no signs of waning.

It's Zara's third trip to the Gloucestershire event, ahead of the tomorrow's final, where she has been actively taking in the horsing event.


Fashion miss: Female racegoers take inspiration from Russian Anna Kerenina in fur hats, despite the sunshine

Ladie's Day is notorious for offering up a brazen array of flamboyant outfits as most eyes definitely stray from the race track.

But save a few brave racegoers, the crowd appeared rather tame this year as the crowd displayed a level of restraint - despite the sunshine and warm temperatures.

Ladies wishing to stand out wore fur hats, feathers and flowers. But it was surely Zara, pared-down and elegant, who unwittingly scored the most points for style


School reunion: A group of former Cheltenham University graduates


Colourful: One racegoer gets in the mood for Spring with a lime-coloured shirt and sorbet chiffon hat


But anyone wishing to take in the race would not be disappointed by the action-packed event
Big Buck's cemented his position as the top as he achieved back-to-back victories in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Walsh said: 'He's a special horse. He's absolutely bolted in. He's a horse that doesn't want to be in front too long. I knew the ones I fancied, like Karabak, would follow me though


Hat's off: Stylish ladies opt for intricate detailing, block colour and old-school glamour


Lady in red : Camilla Bassett-Smith takes a leaf out of Eliza Dolittle's style book with a dramatic red umbrella

'He's got a terrific engine and that was a good round of jumping, he jumped better today than he ever has done.'

He added: 'He's a hugely talented horse. It's unbelievable. I worked the horses on Saturday morning - Poquelin, Master Minded, Kauto Star, the lot. They all worked well but he worked like a hairy goat.

'That's just him and I lost confidence a bit and I was sweating beforehand.

'He never hit a flat spot today. We were keen to get him fresh and you have to get into his head a bit more than anything. He's very good.'


Sports night: Ex-football commentator John Motson, left, and pundit Alan Hansen with his wife


Winning combination: Big Bucks ridden by Ruby Walsh the Ladbrokes World Hurdle


source: dailymail