Snapshots from Glorious Goodwood: Days 3 and 4

While Royal Ascot is known for its glamour, pomp and ceremony, Glorious Goodwood is celebrated for almost the opposite reasons. Goodwood, based in the beautiful surrounds of Sussex, is loved for its relaxed elegance and garden party-like atmosphere.Although the dress code is much simpler than Ascot's - requiring a jacket and tie, cravat or polo shirt for men and just "smart casual" dress for women - the fashion on Thursday's Ladies' Day and for Friday's L'Ormarins Best Dressed competition meant there was no shortage of beautiful outfits, many featuring authentic vintage pieces and more practical millinery with wide brims.The theme for Friday's competition was blue and white, which resulted in a myriad of stunning two-toned looks around the course as ladies embraced the spirit of the event. Congratulations to Rachel Hawkins who was the winner of the L'Ormarins Best Dressed competition, winning a trip for two to the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate raceday in South Africa.Glorious Goodwood also marked the end of an era, with champion jockey Richard Hughes retiring at the close of the festival to begin a training career. He rode his last winner, Belvoir Bay, on Day 4.

Guide to Goodwood Racecourse, UK

Overview: Goodwood Racecourse is located five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, and is controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House. It is a part of the Goodwood Estate, which includes the Goodwood Circuit motorsport track, Goodwood Golf Course, and is also home to the Goodwood Cricket Club. The Earl and Countess of March are the current occupants of Goodwood House.Goodwood House was built around 1600, with the 1st Duke of Richmond acquiring it in 1697. The 3rd Duke of Richmond commissioned the racecourse, which was established in 1802.Major racing festivals: Glorious Goodwood, which is a five-day festival considered to be one of the social highlights of the British summer. Held in the last week of July, Glorious Goodwood is a quintessentially English event which has less formality than other major British racing festivals while retaining all the glamour. The festival features two Group 1 events, the Sussex Stakes (1m, on the second day) and the Nassau Stakes (approximately 1m 2f for fillies and mares on the final day).What to expect: The ultimate English garden party. Goodwood Racecourse is considered to be one of the most picturesque racecourses in the world. Drink Pimms, indulge in strawberries and cream (complimentary in the Richmond Enclosure), and simply relax in the tranquil atmosphere and scenic surrounds.Enclosures: For a guide to the enclosures, click here. We recommend the Richmond Enclosure, and although it is members-only during Glorious Goodwood, VRC members are able to purchase a pass to it upon presentation of their VRC member's badge.For an interactive racecourse map, click here.Style notes: While Panama hats are the official millinery of Glorious Goodwood and suggested attire for gentlemen, ladies generally wear something a little more glamorous, but much more relaxed than a typical Royal Ascot hat. More functional hats (read: with brims) and smaller, cocktail pieces are popular accompaniments to pretty summer frocks, while linen suits are a popular choice with the men.Best dressed competitions:  The L'Ormarins Best Dressed Lady Competition, on day 4 of Glorious Goodwood. The current prize is a trip for two to the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate raceday in Cape Town, South Africa, and the dress code is strictly blue and white to echo the colours of the L'Ormarins logo. For further information, click here.How to get there: Goodwood is located just outside of Chichester, which is 60 miles from London. We recommend taking the train from London Victoria to Chichester, which takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. There is a special bus service on major racedays from Chichester station to Goodwood.For other methods of transport, click here.Website: Goodwood Horse Racing

EVENT - Best Dressed Competition at the Qatar Goodwood Festival

Spiritual home of the Panama, Pimms and parasols, Glorious Goodwood has always had its own distinctive style and this year sees the return of the ever popular L’Ormarins Best Dressed Ladies Competition on Friday, 31st July.This year's prize is the trip of a lifetime to the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate in South Africa and the judges will be looking for an exquisitely dressed lady, looking elegant in the signature colours of L'Ormarins, blue and white.The competition is the perfect opportunity for ladies to show off this season’s latest fashion. With an abundance of beautiful floaty dresses, glamorous hats and the finest fascinators, Glorious Goodwood epitomises understated glamour and chic elegance.To be selected as a finalist for a chance to win this unique prize and attend the L'Ormarins Queen’s Plate race meeting in Cape Town, entrants will need to show their polished look echoes the magnificence of the racing at Goodwood. A stunning hat is a must to complete this elegant look.The prize on offer for two people includes:

• Return Premium Economy flights from London to Cape Town from Monday 4 - Sunday 10 January, 2016
• Airport transfers and transfers to all L'Ormarins Queen’s Plate arranged elements of the package (i.e. all below)
• 6 nights’ accommodation at a top hotel in Cape Town
• A tour of L’Ormarins Estate, Drakenstein Stud Farm, wine tasting with Anthonij Rupert Wyne and lunch at the farm
• Lunch at The Grand Beach Cafe
• Invitations to any official L'Ormarins Queen’s Plate events
• Two tickets to the L’Ormarins Luncheon at the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate

“Last year was the first time we hosted the Best Dressed Ladies competition and it was great to see the number of glamorous ladies in blue and white outfits," said Adam Waterworth, Managing Director for Goodwood Racecourse. "We look forward to welcoming our racegoers for another tremendous Qatar Glorious Goodwood week.”For further information, visit the Goodwood website.