It had to happen, all those Daily Mail photos of fashion gone wrong at some of the most coveted race courses around the country. The powers that be had to see that their events were turning into one big fat gypsy wedding, fake tan, hair extensions, maxi dresses, little dresses, no dresses and cans of stella. What happened to the formal gathering the races once were.

Epsom Downs was one of my favourite courses and I always made an effort, granted I may not have worn a hat, but going out clubbing and an afternoon on the flat required two different outfits. Thankfully Ascot, one of the biggest horse-racing events on the calendar has decided to make a stand against the chavtastic approach which has emerged over the last ten years or so.

Ascot spokesman Nick Smith said: "It is probably fair to say that the dress code hasn't necessarily been enforced quite as rigorously as we might have liked.
"It is stretching a point to say standards have collapsed but there is no doubt that our customers would like to get back to a situation where it is universally acknowledged that this is a formal occasion and not an occasion where you might dress as you would at a nightclub."

So now you need to take heed before you go copping your strapless dress and dunking yourself in fake tan, there are rules and regulations which need to be followed. If you are privy to the Royal Enclosure which many aren't you must wear a hat if you are a lady, no fascinators allowed and skirts and dresses must be of a modest length. Men must wear a tie and waist-coat and black shoes must be worn with morning dress. Isn't this a given? Any man who knows his clothes should know that you wouldn't wear anything but black shoes with morning wear, surely. Have things honestly got that bad?

Over to the Grandstand, where the majority of common folks convene; you MUST wear a hat or fascinator if you are of the fairer sex just as you MUST NOT wear a strapless dress or top or straps which are invisible. For the fellas a tie must be worn. Be interesting to see how this pans out and just how many other courses will follow suit (no pun intended) in bringing an air of dignity back to the races.