Summer

The 2009 Champagne Lanson July Festival delivered three brilliant afternoons on the July Course, with great racing, stunning fashions and a happy, garden party atmosphere.  The sun may only have shone intermittently, but the rain stayed away and the highlight of Newmarket’s summer season generated a wonderful ambiance.

Nearly 30,000 people came to enjoy the East of England’s answer to Royal Ascot and as well as a host of top class winners on the track, there were plenty of winners amongst the racegoers as well – most notably in the fashion stakes.

“Fashion At The Festival” attracted entrants from far and wide, with over 650 people participating over the three days.  They entered at the “Fashion At The Festival” marquee where they enjoyed a glass of Lanson champagne and had their photo taken.  Ten finalists were then selected each day.

On the opening day, Karen Knight from Worksop won a dream holiday in the Caribbean when she was judged as the lady with the most stylish set of accessories. 

She won a fantastic week on a St Lucia cocoa plantation, courtesy of Hotel Chocolat.  What a week to remember that was! 

Susan Hall from Newmarket took second prize – a wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic Champneys midweek spa break at the UK’s most luxurious health spa, Henlow Grange.

Third place went to Jackie Hurley of Grays who won a £50 voucher to spend on accessories at ‘Ghost’, the ladies fashion shop in Cambridge.

All ten finalists won a box of Hotel Chocolat chocolates and a pair of tickets to see Boyzone at the Newmarket Nights on Friday 14 August 2009.

On Champagne Lanson Ladies’ Day, Lorraine Hallam from Norwich was adjudged the Best Dressed Lady by Catherine Dettori.  She looked resplendent in her stunning outfit.

Her celebrations will go on and on as she won a year’s supply of Champagne Lanson!

Runner-up was Samantha Hills, daughter of top jockey Michael Hills and his wife Chris. She won dinner, bed & breakfast for two people in Newmarket’s top hotel, the Bedford Lodge.

Third place went to Michelle Gee of Doncaster, who won a £100 voucher to spend in ‘Ghost’.

Meanwhile, all 10 finalists received a mini bottle of Lanson champagne and a pair of tickets to see Boyzone at the Newmarket Nights.

Friday’s “Fashion At The Festival” was all about the Best Dressed Couple and it was Martin and Lynne Ripley from Norwich who landed the first prize – a once-in-a-lifetime 20 night luxury cruise to Dubai and Muscat, courtesy of Premier Travel.

They hadn’t even intended to enter the competition – but they were very glad they did!

The runners-up were Oliver Capel and his partner, also from Norwich, who won a fabulous Sporting Weekend at Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, Spa, Golf and Country Club.

Third place went to Sarah Guest and James Knight from Exning who won a table for four in the Summer House Restaurant for the Newmarket Night on Friday 7 August, when Scouting For Girls played live in concert after the last race.  All ten finalists won a pair of tickets for that Night.

There were other huge prizes given away as well – a trip to Abu Dhabi, courtesy of Etihad Airways, and two fantastic sets of a digital TV with surround sound, camcorder and digital radio, thanks to Hughes of Newmarket.  They were the fantastic prizes in the racecard competitions each day.