Zara Tindall braves the rain at Cheltenham Racecourse with Mike and Prince Harry’s former confidante Natalie Pinkham for the first day of the festival

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.