York puts on the style for a record-breaking Ladies Day

Racegoers watch the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes during Darley Yorkshire Oaks & Ladies Day. Photograph: : Tim Goode/PA Wire

23 Aug 2018 @ 6.00 pm
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It was smiles and style at York Racecourse for a Ladies Day that will go down in sporting history.

One of the biggest smiles was on the face of trainer Mark Johnston, as he claimed a record-breaking 4,194th career victory in Britain.

Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Poet’s Society was a 20-1 outsider in the Clipper Logistics Handicap – but won by a neck to grant the Middleham trainer his record.

That saw him him overtake Richard Hannon senior as Britain’s winning-most trainer.

‘On to the next one’

Poetʼs Society ridden by Frankie Dettori (centre right) before winning the Clipper Logistics Handicap to give trainer Mark Johnston the title of winning-most trainer in British history. Photograph: Tim Goode/PA Wire

Johnston had been on the brink of the record for a while, and was delighted to finally get over the line:

It’s been very frustrating, but it’s not as if we’ve had loads of odds-on shots beat.

Relief is the main thing I’m feeling – it’s out the way now and on to the next one (winner).

If you could have had the perfect result it would have been Joe Fanning on board, but, as we were saying earlier, because it was Frankie no one will forget it.

There was spectacle in the crowds as well, with some amazing outfits topped by unique hats.

ITV Racing presenter Francesca Cumani dazzled race-goers in a Yorkshire made and inspired outfit.

Her straw beret was created by Yorkshire hat-maker to the royals Justine Bradley-Hill, while her dress was designed by Anita Massarella.