THOUSANDS of stylish punters descended on York Racecourse to try their luck at the second day of the 2011 Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Racegoers in colourful, daring outfits, sharp suits and sunglasses packed the stands and basked in the sunshine, as Ladies Day got into full swing.

James Brennan, marketing manager for the racecourse, said: “It’s been a very pleasant day, but not quite been a ‘bring a picnic’ day.

“It’s still been a busy day for the champagne lawns and for those who have been planning their outfits for the last 364 days.”

Mr Brennan said just over 28,000 people attended yesterday, only a little short of last year’s figure. All eyes were on the Fashion On The Field contest, as one lucky racegoer was voted best-dressed lady and won a trip to Dubai, courtesy of Marriott Hotels, a £150 Debenhams shopping spree, and a bottle of champagne.

The winner has also won the chance to compete in Saturday’s final, for a two-week holiday in the Caribbean and a £500 personal shopping trip with designer Jeff Banks.

The crowd were also treated to one of celebrity jockey Frankie Dettori’s trademark flying dismounts, after his horse Blue Bunting won the 3.40 Darley Yorkshire Oaks.