Dress code at the races

If we are not going to try and have some standards, we shouldn't complain when there are none.

This is a sport, and people with similar interests come together. If the consensus is that the top hats and tails that make the occasion special are for nuts in the UK but never for here, then so be it. But the danger of catering to the lowest common denominator is the standard gets set by your worst, not your best.

My first appearance in the parade ring long ago was in a suit, and my last was in jeans. Long ago the suit was the weapon of the elitist, but now the suit would be a sense of occasion.

Maybe we all become our parents, but at my racecourse no jeans in the parade ring. Having said that I hated school uniforms with every possible argument and now my kids go to a school where the "uniform" is colour co-ordination and I'm wondering whether something has been lost in translation.

On queens plate day this year the taberer boys wore shorts at the presentation to the winning connections,nobody complained

Attended a Trainers / Operators breakfast meeting down here at Clairwood. We were requested that all grooms wear the bibs in the parade ring. I am a guest down here and have complied - sent our grooms raceday wear back to Vaal - makes no sense covering it all up with huge bibs....

Point is that we do need dress codes and unfortunately, as far as the grooms go, some Trainers really dont seem to care how their grooms look. But, the majority of Trainers really do make an effort. So, because of the slack few, we all now go uniform. Rather that than having shoddy grooms further tarnish our image. I agree, albeit reluctantly.

As for ourselves (owners and trainers), I believe that we should be setting the example. Yes, ties are very old fashioned, but tomorrow is a big day and I will wear one. To me, it is an achievement being an owner and a great privelege to work with God's most special creation, the equine Thoroughbred. I am proud of what I do. Simple.

However, fashions dictate changing dress codes. My son (and the surfer boy/Springsteen forumite) wear jeans that cost more than most suits do. Their casual wear is what is currently fashionable or the norm. I have absolutely no problem with that dress code.

But shorts and crocks irritate me, if worn by connections in the parade ring etc. As for the public, no problem.

i often find that the trainers who look scruffy and take zero pride in how they look on raceday this is how they turn their horses out on raceday...no pride

Oh well that's me done guess I won't make too many friends tmrw? But to be honest !! Hmmm . Jeez I just hope that Sir P doesn't arrive you will need a good sense of humour ( which often seems to be lacking) or you will be shocked!! And as for The Madji sorry bud but if any of these guys spot you on course as you were last year with me you may well even be banned from posting on this forum! Do crocks come in slops? Just asking?

Garrick!!!!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!
LMAO ha ha ha ha
you crack me up .... how exact is your wording, peppered with accurate but humorous overtones ... ha ha ... keep them coming..

If the little sh@TS were taught to respect a dress code they might learn to respect many other things ... I personally want to scream in frustration when one hears this insane logic 'you have to prostitute your sister to get a visitor' for flip sake .... a jacket and tie looks good on anyone and the girls love it. The industry won't be saved by rap artists and dagga rookers

Fact of the matter is u should look respectable in the parade ring. Tis the sport of kings after all!!!

There are clear cut rules,the sign stating the rules is clear as daylight when entering the parade ring.Blame the operator of the course who allows the person to enter the ring,blame the trainer who allows his patron to go into the parade ring,blame the " owner" in the parade ring.You want colours to race,you must know the rules.9/10 times its the owners mate in the wrong dress attire anyway but either way YOU NOT DRESSED PROPERLY YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED INTO THE PARADE RING.....end of story.But if the poor security guard hasn't been briefed properly how can the rule be enforced by him.....

I personally like to look smart and think its magic to see the grooms looking great, if not mistaken think it was Louis Goosen that had the lads with white gloves etc
That really sticks in my mind (tu)

In the early '80's I was not allowed entrance into Greyville. I had to go into town to buy some smart trousers. Those trousers became my favourite!

I must say Mac you did look smart in them last week but they are a bit tight at the waist

About the grooms attire.
They should all be attired in course issued overalls or bibs or something and the number of the horse clearly displayed. Its a disgrace to see them walking around in whatever the horse has messed on ...
Think of the Masters golf tournament caddies, all in white overalls