Zara and Mike Tindall looked elegant in formal wear as they arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse for the first day of the festival earlier today.

Princess Anne’s daughter, 42, and her former rugby husband, 45, braved the humid conditions as they posed for photos.

Zara and Mike looked suitably glamorous as they arrived at the event this morning in matching attire.

The mother-of-three dressed in a £369 blue Karen Millen cape coat and a matching navy turtleneck jumper. The coat had a thick, matching belt that cinched her waist.

The former rider – who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics – paired her dress with a stylish headpiece – a £365 gray fascinator with a chic decorative feather from Victoria Charles.

The royal completed her outfit with a navy leather bag from Fairfax & Favor worth £345, suede over-the-knee boots worth $950 (£744) from Stuart Weitzman, and a matching pair of gloves to protect her from the cold.

Meanwhile, Mike looked equally dapper in a navy blue overcoat, blue suit and navy blue baker’s boy hat.

Princess Anne’s newly appointed maid of honor, Dolly Maude, 51, arrived at the festival shortly after Zara and Mike.

Dolly, who famously helped deliver Zara’s third child Lucas on the bathroom floor when her 2021 birth plan went awry, looked chic in a bottle green ensemble.

Today is the first of four days at Cheltenham Racecourse, Champion Day. The event witnesses a Jump Racing competition, where each participant strives to achieve the highest hurdle result.

Tomorrow many visitors will compete for best-dressed status during ‘Style Wednesday’, a competition formerly known as Ladies Day.

The prestigious second day of the four-day event is known for attracting a host of royals and celebrities who show off their fashion skills as they enjoy a day out at the races in Gloucestershire.

Some excited racegoers even start planning their outfits for the popular occasion six months in advance.

This day will include the Slow Fashion Awards, open to both men and women, celebrating ‘vintage and borrowed items, but also investment pieces’.

Tomorrow’s Style Wednesday is billed as ‘fast horses, slow fashion’. The style is timeless and the glamor matches the glory,” on the Jockey Club’s website.

Explaining the Slow Fashion Awards, it adds that the event will “celebrate vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation.

‘We encourage all racegoers to showcase their unique and personal style and share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.

‘The prizes are open to both men and women, and we can’t wait to see the incredible fashion on display!’

The Cheltenham Festival has recently scrapped its strict dress code as the Jockey Club released new guidelines for its racecourses.

The historic society event, which dates back to the early 19th century, unveiled an ‘inclusive’ dress code, which organizers hope will make spectators feel ‘confident and comfortable’ during their visit.

Already much more relaxed than race rivals Royal Ascot, Cheltenham organizers hope to encourage a younger crowd to the society event, with jeans and trainers no longer looked down upon, and ‘come dressed to feel your best’.

Formal dress codes – which often include a jacket and tie – are being scrapped in an effort to make horse racing “more accessible and inclusive,” the Jockey Club said in an announcement.

Elsewhere, crowds began gathering at the Gloucestershire circuit as early as 8am today, as revelers spilled onto the grounds in high heels and fur hats.

White dresses seemed to be the order of the day, with many guests opting for monochrome tones and nineties-inspired looks, including rara skirts and blazers for a day out.

Others opted for tweed and beige looks, with several female guests, including Jade Holland Cooper, rebelling against traditional dress codes and opting for suits.

A touch of flair was added by two male guests who opted for brightly colored suits.

One headed to the races in a fuchsia two-piece and matching tie, while another paired black boots with a sky blue suit, complete with a map of the world printed on it.

For the first time in its 313-year history, Ascot Racecourse has announced the appointment of a creative director.

British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, 33, will be responsible for creating the annual Lookbook and Millinery Collective in 2024, which set the style tone for the year and often inspired the outfits of racegoers.

He is known for his classically tailored silhouettes and modern, gender-fluid clothing; his spring/summer 2023 collection included corset designs for both men and women.

The Cheshire-born designer, whose first client was the eccentric Harry Styles, told the story GQ in 2023: 'The idea of ​​a piece of clothing being for a specific gender is so funny.

'I understand that something like a bra is designed for functionality, but when it comes to a shirt, why would we apply gender to something like that? And for me the same goes for the corset.'

Former One Direction member Harry, 30, whose style included jumpsuits, feather boas, skirts and dresses, became Daniel's first customer after purchasing all the boxy short-sleeved shirts from the designer's graduate collection in 2015.

“Harry had a huge impact on my career,” Daniel admitted GQ in 2020. 'At 24 years old, I couldn't believe what was happening.'

Since then, the designer's career has gone from strength to strength, with A-listers including James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Corrin and Emerald Fennell wearing his looks.

The Central Saint Martins graduate has also designed for some of the world's most prestigious houses, including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and JW Anderson, and held the role of Artistic Director for Italian label Fiorucci between 2019 and 2023.

He was nominated for the LVMH Prize in 2017, was winner of the European semi-final of the International Woolmark Prize and was named Breakthrough Designer of The Year at the 2020 GQ Men of The Year Awards.

After many successful seasons showing his collections at London Fashion Week, Daniel took part in the Netflix series 'Next In Fashion', making it to the finals.

Speaking about his latest appointment, Daniel said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Ascot's first Creative Director and to have thrown myself into the new role.

'I'm keen to showcase the racecourse's rich heritage whilst embracing its unique dress codes, adding a contemporary twist to bring a flair that Ascot hasn't seen before.

'For 2024, I want to inspire racegoers to push the boundaries with their own unique style and immerse themselves in the opportunity to embrace their own creativity – and what better opportunity than Royal Ascot!

“I'm super excited to unveil the next evolution in the world-renowned brand's style direction and can't wait for the vision to become a reality.”

Alexandra Bertram, Brand and Creative Lead for Ascot Racecourse, said: 'Self-expression and the fun of dressing up for the day at the races have always been at the heart of Ascot.

'2024 marks an incredibly exciting chapter for us and we are delighted to appoint Daniel Fletcher as Creative Director.

'Royal Ascot style transcends simply dressing for the races and Daniel brings a fresh, authentic aesthetic that perfectly reflects our passion for individuality and personal style.

'Working closely with Daniel, we will serve the diverse Ascot audience with their incredible range of styles and varied shopping habits, from second-hand to couture.

“He has a deep understanding of the Ascot brand and we can't wait to work closely together to create hero moments in the run-up to Royal Ascot and beyond.”

The Royal Ascot confirmed that the dress code will remain unchanged in 2024. It operates in the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure.

Royal Ascot takes place from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 June 2024 with tickets from £35 per person if booked before midnight on 29 March 2024.

Zara Tindall opted for an all-burgundy ensemble as she enjoyed a solo day out on Cheltenham's Festival Trials Day.

The king's niece, 42, was left without her husband Mike and three children in the Gloucestershire city, which has become famous for its namesake racecourse.

She dressed warmly in a long, dark red coat, which she combined with matching leather-look boots and gloves.

The mother of three completed her ensemble with a black turtleneck and a chic navy blue fedora, accented with a decorative sash.

Cheltenham's Festival Trials Day is described as 'the last chance to see the sport's leading lights go to battle on the hallowed grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse before the Cheltenham Festival', which takes place in March.

The website says: 'With an eight-race card, with each race being a trial for a race at the Cheltenham Festival, it doesn't get much more exciting unless it's the festival itself.

'The excitement isn't limited to the track, with fantastic entertainment throughout the day and The Wickermen performing live music after the race, it's a seamless build-up to the Cheltenham Festival.'

It comes after Mike Tindall shared more behind-the-scenes photos from the London premiere for the Six Nations: Full Contact Netflix series.

The event, which marked the launch of the sports documentary, was attended by former England rugby player Mike, 45, who is likely to take a special interest in tonight's event.

He was accompanied by his wife Zara, with the couple – who wore matching blazers – sharing loved-up snaps on Instagram.

Now Mike has shared more information about the event, in a snap with sports presenters Natalie Pinkham and Anna Woolhouse.

He also posted a photo on Instagram of himself with his wife Zara and rugby player Danny Care.

Alongside the photo, Mike wrote: 'Great to catch up with some old friends last night at the launch of @sixnationsrugby's Netflix series #SixNationsFullContact.

“I was blown away by what I saw in Episode 1 and it was an incredible watch. Out next week and I can't wait.'

The series of photos followed previous photos shared by the couple.

Mike and Zara, who wore matching blazers for the event, shared loved-up photos from the red carpet on Instagram of them looking into each other's eyes.

Zara was typically chic in a checked navy blue coat, paired with a satin blue shirt and black velvet cropped trousers.

Meanwhile, Mike looked equally dapper in a blue double-breasted jacket.

The loved-up couple couldn't keep their eyes off each other and weren't afraid to show it, with their giant smiles emphasizing their cheerful mood.

The couple appeared in good spirits to watch the new series, which follows the teams who competed against each other in the 2023 Six Nations tournament, and the trials and challenges they faced behind the scenes.

Zara Tindall started the year in style as she arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse on New Year’s Day in a chic ensemble.

The King’s niece, 42, joined her youngest daughter Lena, five, in the paddock at Cheltenham Races – and the little boy seemed keen to get her mum’s attention.

Mother-of-three Zara showed off her style chops, donning a plaid belted coat with mahogany fur trim as she attended the races with her daughters Lena and Mia, and nieces Savannah and Isla Phillips.

She paired the ensemble with a chocolate-colored fascinator with a statement gold bow and complemented the look with a quilted black leather bag and classic leather knee-high boots.

Meanwhile, little Lena, who took her mother’s hand tightly and pointed out something that had caught her attention, looked adorable in a burgundy coat.

The Cheltenham Races traditionally fall on New Year’s Day, with families flocking to the area every year to watch the racing action.

While Lena and Zara were spotted in the paddock, Zara’s eldest daughter Mia was spotted on the balcony with her cousins ​​Isla and Savannah Phillips, where the trio appeared enthralled by the events on the track.

Mia, nine, appears to take after her parents, Mike and Zara, who are also horse racing fans, as she focused hard on the races.

Savannah, who celebrated her 13th birthday last Friday, beamed as she and her sister lounged on the balcony to watch the race.

Mia’s face, on the other hand, was the picture of concentration as she held a glass of water and focused on the track.

The royal cousins’ outing comes after the family spent Christmas at Sandringham and visited St Mary Magdalene Church for the annual service, which focused on Mia.

The nine-year-old royal walked ahead of her parents as she joined Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the front of the procession.

Mia shared a sweet moment with her young cousin, Prince Louis, as she held his hand and led him to church.

Mia’s sister Lena, five, walked hand in hand behind Wales, along with her parents Zara and Mike. Her younger brother Lucas, two, stayed home.

Princess Charlotte, holding hands with her mother, looked festive in a bottle green coat with her hair tied in braids.

Meanwhile, George, who was walking alone, looked very grown up in a smart suit.

When the Christmas morning service ended, Mia walked out of the church flanked by Princess Charlotte, and the couple giggled together as they walked with their families.

Mia’s interest in horse racing comes from her parents, Zara and Mike Tindall, who are big racing fans.

Being an equestrian herself, Zara is often pictured at racing events with her husband Mike throughout the year – in addition to appearing at Royal Ascot with the rest of the family.

She and her ex-rugby husband are known to put on cute and cheeky displays as they get animated as the races start.

Zara Tindall looked sharp in an elegant two-piece suit today as she arrived for a Christmas gathering at Cheltenham Racecourse.

King Charles’ niece, 42, was spotted heading to the racecourse in Gloucestershire with her husband Mike Tindall, 45, as they prepared for day one of the venue’s seasonal festivities.

Princess Anne’s daughter Zara cut a stylish figure in a gray knitted blazer and matching trousers.

Making a stylish choice for the colder weather, the royal paired the look with a navy blue sweater and a shiny pair of black leather gloves.

For her shoes, she wore black chunky suede boots that matched the smart ensemble perfectly.

The mother-of-three looked typically chic and added a touch of colorful style with a maroon red headband.

She accessorized the look with a glittering pair of medium-sized gold hoop earrings and a matching gold and leather shoulder bag.

Zara sported a nude makeup look and added just a small amount of black mascara and dark brown eyebrow gel to complete it.

Meanwhile, her husband Mike Tindall looked dashing in a smart navy suit jacket, bright blue shirt and a maroon red tie.

The former rugby international and MBE was seen walking around the grounds with Phil Vickery and other esteemed guests.

The man and woman were photographed when they arrived parading at Cheltenham Racecourse in the happiest mood.

The Olympian also had a joyful time as she attended her cousin Kate Middleton’s carol service at Westminster Abbey last Friday.

The Royal was joined by her brother Peter Phillips, 46, who both put on a cheerful display as they entered the Christmas service.

Zara looked radiant in a deep purple winter coat. She completed the outfit with a matching pair of statement earring shoes and a crocodile leather bag.

For the occasion, she opted for a simple yet elegant makeup look, complete with a nude lip and a touch of eyeliner.

Zara, who recently announced she will be working part-time in equestrian sports so she can be more present for her three children, styled her blonde locks into a sleek bun for the occasion.

Zara appeared to attend the event without her husband Mike Tindall.

Instead, her brother, Peter Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest grandchild, joined her tonight, along with his daughters Savanah, 12, and Isla, 11.

The aim of the concert, which was also attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, was to ‘recognize the selfless efforts of communities across the UK and highlight the importance of coming together to support each other’.

Led by the Princess, it is designed to bring people of all faiths (and none) together by combining both traditional and modern elements.

The news comes as the equestrian champion and eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II revealed that her professional riding career has become “very part-time now” so she can spend more time with her three young children.

In an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly magazine, Zara – who won silver in a team event for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics – revealed how her approach to competitive riding changed after having children.

Zara and her husband Mike Tindall – ex-rugby player and former reality show contestant – are parents to Mia, nine, and Lena, five, and son Lucas, two.

“I work very part-time now,” she told the magazine. ‘I only have four horses, so hopefully I have enough time to look after my children and still compete. I hope I make better decisions. I’m certainly not going to everything now.’

‘When I had 15 horses, I was everywhere every weekend, but now I choose a lot [events] around the kids and holidays and trying to be around as much as possible.”

Known as much for her sporting prowess as her sartorial choices, Zara attends equestrian events all over the world, both as a formidable athlete when she competes and as a trendsetting fashionista when she is a spectator.

Her illustrious career includes gold at the 2005 European Eventing Championships and silver at the 2006 World Equestrian Games.

Zara has also previously been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year and has been nicknamed the Royal Olympian.

On the subject of motherhood, Zara spoke candidly about her struggle to get her body back into shape after having children. She described pregnancy as a ‘shock to your system’ and how your body changes so much.

She told the magazine that in addition to the natural aging process, childbirth was “a huge thing for women,” and for her, the added dimension of being a professional sportswoman meant that some of the physical changes took her by surprise.

For example, Zara admitted that it took her a long time to realize that she could no longer maintain the same regimen she had when she was younger, such as the foods she ate and the types of exercises she did.

But the hard lessons she learned, Zara said, will serve her well as she teaches her children.

She said she will teach her daughters to constantly monitor how their bodies are doing and changing, Zara said, because women “definitely” have it harder than men, referring to the various hormonal changes the female body goes through, such as menopause .

Despite competing in fewer professional equestrian events so she can spend more time with her family, Zara says she will probably ‘always’ feel guilty when she is away from the children, but she has come to accept this as part of motherhood.

Zara Tindall appeared to be enjoying a glass of bubbly as she stepped out with husband Mike at a Cheltenham Racecourse event.

Looking typically chic for her outing today, the king’s 42-year-old niece cut an elegant figure in a sage green double-breasted coat, which she teamed with ankle boots and leather trousers.

Princess Anne’s daughter further combatted the cold weather by opting for a white high-neck sweater and a pair of black gloves.

Adding a touch of glitter to her stylish look, she wore a pair of gold hoop earrings and completed her look with an elegant black handbag, matching headband and fashionable sunglasses.

Meanwhile, former rugby international Mike, 45, looked equally sophisticated in a gray jacket, green trousers and white shirt under a burgundy jacket.

The pair attended Countryside Day in Cheltenham, the opening of the racecourse’s three-day November festival.

Avid rider Zara, Cheltenham Racecourse board member, and Mike attended a lunch organized by Countryside Alliance during the event.

The royal is an international equestrian competitor, having won a gold medal at the European Eventing Championships in 2005 and a silver medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2006.

Zara previously won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics as part of the Great Britain Eventing Team.

The mother-of-three was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year and was nicknamed the Royal Olympian.

Earlier this week, Zara looked glamorous as she attended the VIP breakfast for the launch of Rebecca Vallance’s Holiday 2023 at Harrods on Tuesday.

King Charles’ niece joined the Australian designer and several famous faces, including Lady Victoria Hervey and Amber Le Bon, at the Studio Frantzen restaurant.

Looking effortlessly elegant, Zara stunned in the brand’s Eva dress, which featured a figure-hugging silhouette and dazzling pearl embellishment. The sophisticated £640 design also featured voluminous puff sleeves and a cut-out back.

Zara positively beamed as she posed for photos with Ms Vallance, 43, at the iconic London department store.

The royal mother of three added a pair of simple black pumps and matching pearl earrings to her ensemble.

She showed off a natural makeup look consisting of dark mascara, bronzer and nude lipstick, while her blonde locks were swept back into an elegant updo.

The Melbourne Cup kicked off on Tuesday as Australia’s most stylish celebrities gathered at Flemington Racecourse to watch the race that stops the nation.

And leading the glamorous arrivals was pop princess Delta Goodrem, who was a vision in yellow at the Birdcage. 

Putting on a very busty display, the Born To Try hitmaker sported a plunging yellow frock and matching fascinator, paired with a yellow top-handle bag and gold earrings. 

Her look was completed with a pair of gold strappy pumps and several diamond rings.

Delta was all smiles as she waved at onlookers, revealing a glimpse at her huge diamond ring from fiancé Matthew Copley.

Racing identity Kate Waterhouse also dazzled at the Birdcage in an off-white Mariam Seddiq dress that featured oversized scalloping details and a plunging neckline. 

Kate, who is the daughter of horse trainer Gai Waterhouse and bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse, completed her look with a white hatinator, yellow strappy heels, silver hoop earrings and a Bulgari handbag. 

Channel Seven Sport presenter Emma Freedman meanwhile turned heads in an all-red ensemble.

The blonde sported a stylish swing dress with a see-through lace bodice, a jaunty hatinator and a pair of strappy heels. 

Red was the colour du jour on Tuesday, with Real Housewives of Sydney star Terry Biviano also sporting a scarlet-hued halterneck frock, along with a matching Dior handbag, pointy-toed pumps and hatinator.

The wife of AFL star Anthony Minichiello beamed as she tossed the dramatic train of her frock for photos.  

Also wearing red was Terry’s fellow AFL WAG Jessie Murphy, who wore a satin, ruby-coloured lantern dress that featured buttons down the front. 

Actor Rob Mills’ grey suit and floral tie combo meanwhile put him in the running for best-dressed male racegoer.

Lady Eliza and Amelia Spencer, Princess Diana’s nieces, proved two is better than one as they arrived wearing dramatic frocks made from the same red satin fabric. 

Eliza courted attention in an off-the-shoulder ballgown and a bejewelled birdcage veil, while her sister showed off her legs in a puff skirt mini-dress and beaded headband. 

Former Miss Universe Olivia Molly Rogers dressed to be noticed in a satin tangerine mini dress embellished with large rosettes. 

The model completed her look with a matching handbag, headband-style fascinator and pointy-toed navy heels. 

Taking a style risk was former MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong, who sported a fit and flare frock emblazoned with a striped print in black, white and light pink. 

Model Adut Akech meaning proved she’s on top of her style game as she arrived in a beaded tulle mini dress with draped detailing. 

Elsewhere, stylist Lana Wilkinson looked festive in a pink column dress with a dramatic, puffy peplum. 

She wore her hair half up, secured with a black velvet bow, and topped off her look with a black patent leather clutch and black open-toed pumps. 

Neighbours star Olympia Valance meanwhile made a glamorous appearance in a plum-coloured satin corset dress and matching hatinator. 

At times, she posed arm-in-arm with her AFL star husband Tom Bellchambers, who wore a suit and printed tie. 

Love Island Australia winner Tayla Damir and her footy star husband Nathan Broad also looked shmick as they arrived arm-in-arm at the Birdcage.

Tayla, who recently welcomed her first child, looked glamorous in a blue satin mini dress with floral detailing and a halter-neckline, matched with a blue birdcage veil fascinator. 

Her sportsman husband also dressed to impress in a checked navy three-piece suit and printed tie.

Model Demi Brereton, who is the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador, also oozed elegance in a red-and-black look, which included a scarlet, off-the-shoulder corset dress and matching hatinator. 

She also wore a black scarf, pointy-toed punks and top-handle bag, as well as a pair of dainty drop earrings. 

The Matildas star Cortnee Vine meanwhile made a fashion statement as she posed for photos in an oversized pink pantsuit, fuchsia bandanna and red hatinator. 

Jockey Zac Purton was also spotted arriving with his wife Nicole at Flemington Racecourse looking suave in a black suit.

Meanwhile, Nicole was red hot in a crimson mini dress and matching fascinator. 

Australian model Francesca Hung put on a show-stopping display in a daring red two-piece suit with a matching wide-brimmed hat.

The Miss Universe Australia 2018 winner looked incredible after celebrating her hens night in Sydney on Saturday.

Francesca paired her look with a silver handbag, a pearl necklace and bright red patent heels.

Meanwhile, the brunette had her hair styled in a fresh blowout and her makeup looked elegant with a red lip and thick black eyeliner. 

AFL WAG Brit Selwood posed up a storm inside the Birdcage as she stepped out in a short silver frock.

The wife of Geelong Cats great Joel Selwood looked chic in a handmade dress by And Bear, which featured stunning gold detailing at the neckline.

Britt, who welcomed son Joey with Joel in March this year, completed her fit with a headband that matched her dress, as well as gold bracelets and a white Dior handbag.

As for Joel, the sports star looked dapper in a navy suit and bow tie. 

Elsewhere, Channel Seven presenter Rebecca Maddern made a fashion statement in an eye-catching striped dress in orange, yellow and blue. 

She topped off her look with a black harness-style belt and a large black hatinator. 

Model Amy Pejkovic and her AFL superstar beau David Zaharakis proved that couples who dress together really do stay together, as they posed in matching pink ensembles. 

Former high jumper Amy looked festive in a ruffled pink midi dress and headband fascinator, while David was stylish in a suit and tie. 

Fashion guru Donny Galella, who styled many of the celebrities attending the Melbourne Cup, also had his own red carpet moment as he arrived at the Birdcage in a printed blazer and brown trousers. 

The Challenge host Brihony Dawson also arrived in style, donning a gold velvet suit jacket, black trousers, a button-down shirt and a black bowtie.

By Laura House for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 11:37 PM EDT, November 3, 2023 | Updated: 01:09 EDT, November 4, 2023