Suits, Swagger and the Sound of the Crowd: The New Race Day Look in London

The first thing people notice at a London race event is not always the horses. It is often the style. Before the gates even open, groups of men walk towards the track dressed in sharp suits, polished shoes, and bright smiles. There is a buzz in the air that feels different from any other day out in the city. Race day is not just sport anymore. It has become one of the biggest style moments of the year.

For men across London, race day is a chance to dress with confidence and enjoy fashion in a fun way. It is about looking fresh, feeling relaxed, and making the most of every moment. The modern race day suit is no longer stiff or plain. Today’s look is full of character, and every man brings his own touch to it.

The Rise of Bold Race Day Fashion

Years ago, most men played it safe at the races. Dark suits, plain ties, and simple shirts were the normal choice. Now things have changed. London men are adding colour, texture, and personality to their outfits. Light blue jackets, cream trousers, checked blazers, and soft pink ties are all becoming part of the race day scene.

The great thing about this change is that it has made race day fashion more exciting. Men no longer feel trapped by old rules. They can dress smart while still showing their own style. Some choose vintage looks with pocket watches and loafers, while others go for a clean modern outfit with slim-fit trousers and open collars.

This fresh approach has brought younger crowds into the fashion side of racing. Men in their twenties and thirties now see race day as more than a sporting event. It is a social day out, a chance to take photos, meet friends, and enjoy the energy of the crowd. The suit has become part of the experience.

Dressing for the Full Day

One reason race day suits matter so much is because the day itself is long and lively. From morning drinks to evening celebrations, men spend hours moving around the course. That means comfort matters just as much as style.

Light fabrics are now a popular choice because they help men stay cool during busy afternoons. Suits with stretch and softer linings make it easier to enjoy the day without feeling trapped in heavy clothing. London fashion has become smarter in more ways than one.

Accessories also play a huge part in the race day look. Sunglasses, watches, ties, and even hats help complete the outfit. Some men keep things simple with one statement piece, while others enjoy going all out with bold patterns and bright colours. The beauty of race day fashion is that there is room for both.

A lot of men also plan their outfits around the setting. Green racecourse fields, grandstands, and stylish bars create the perfect background for photos. Social media has pushed race day fashion into a whole new world where outfits are remembered long after the final race is over.

That is why many men now search for suits that balance style and comfort perfectly. Brands such as Xposed London Mens Race day suits have become part of this trend because men want clothing that looks sharp from the first race to the last drink of the evening.

More Than Just a Suit

The real charm of race day fashion is not about trying to impress strangers. It is about feeling good in yourself. When a man puts on a suit that fits well and matches the mood of the day, it changes his whole attitude. He stands taller, smiles more, and walks into the crowd with confidence.

Race day also brings people together in a special way. Friends laugh over drinks, couples enjoy the excitement of the races, and strangers chat like old mates while waiting for the next result. Fashion becomes part of the shared energy of the day.

London has always been known for style, but race day adds something extra. It mixes class with fun and tradition with modern trends. Every race meeting tells a different story through the clothes people wear.

As the final race comes to an end and the crowds begin to leave, the feeling stays with you. The cheers fade, the music slows down, but the memories remain. A great race day suit is not only about looking smart for a few hours. It is about being part of an atmosphere full of life, confidence, and unforgettable moments. And that is why race day fashion in London continues to grow year after year.

 

Grand National Winners List

Below is a complete list of Grand National Winners by year and horse name only, starting from 1839 when Lottery was the winner all the way to the present day and recent Grand National 2026.

2026 – I Am Maximus
2025 – Nick Rockett
2024 – I Am Maximus
2023 – Corach Rambler
2022 – Noble Yeats
2021 – Minella Times
2020 – Abandoned – Covid-19
2019 – Tiger Roll
2018 – Tiger Roll
2017 – One For Arthur
2016 – Rule The World
2015 – Many Clouds
2014 – Pineau De Re
2013 – Auroras Encore
2012 – Neptune Collonges
2011 – Ballabriggs
2010 – Don’t Push It
2009 – Mon Mome
2008 – Comply Or Die
2007 – Silver Birch
2006 – Numbersixvalverde
2005 – Hedgehunter
2004 – Amberleigh House
2003 – Monty’s Pass
2002 – Bindaree
2001 – Red Marauder
2000 – Papillon
1999 – Bobbyjo
1998 – Earth Summit
1997 – Lord Gyllene
1996 – Rough Quest
1995 – Royal Athlete
1994 – Miinnehoma
1993 – VOID RACE
1992 – Party Politics
1991 – Seagram
1990 – Mr Frisk
1989 – Little Polveir
1988 – Rhyme ‘N’ Reason
1987 – Maori Venture
1986 – West Tip
1985 – Last Suspect
1984 – Hallo Dandy
1983 – Corbiere
1982 – Grittar
1981 – Aldaniti
1980 – Ben Nevis
1979 – Rubstic
1978 – Lucius
1977 – Red Rum
1976 – Rag Trade
1975 – L’Escargot
1974 – Red Rum
1973 – Red Rum
1972 – Well To Do
1971 – Specify
1970 – Gay Trip
1969 – Highland Wedding
1968 – Red Alligator
1967 – Foinavon
1966 – Anglo
1965 – Jay Trump
1964 – Team Spirit
1963 – Ayala
1962 – Kilmore
1961 – Nicolaus Silver
1960 – Merryman II
1959 – Oxo
1958 – Mr What
1957 – Sundew
1956 – E.S.B.
1955 – Quare Times
1954 – Royal Tan
1953 – Early Mist
1952 – Teal
1951 – Nickel Coin
1950 – Freebooter
1949 – Russian Hero
1948 – Sheila’s Cottage
1947 – Caughoo
1946 – Lovely Cottage
1941/45 – No Race
1940 – Bogskar
1939 – Workman
1938 – Battleship
1937 – Royal Mail
1936 – Reynoldstown
1935 – Reynoldstown
1934 – Golden Miller
1933 – Kellsboro’ Jack
1932 – Forbra
1931 – Grakle
1930 – Shaun Goilin
1929 – Gregalach
1928 – Tipperary Tim
1927 – Sprig
1926 – Jack Horner
1925 – Double Chance
1924 – Master Robert
1923 – Sergeant Murphy
1922 – Music Hall
1921 – Shaun Spadah
1920 – Troytown
1919 – Poethlyn
1916-1918 – No Race At Aintree
1915 – Ally Sloper
1914 – Sunloch
1913 – Covertcoat
1912 – Jerry M
1911 – Glenside
1910 – Jenkinstown
1909 – Lutteur III
1908 – Rubio
1907 – Eremon
1906 – Ascetic’s Silver
1905 – Kirkland
1904 – Moifaa
1903 – Drumcree
1902 – Shannon Lass
1901 – Grudon
1900 – Ambush II
1899 – Manifesto
1898 – Drogheda
1897 – Manifesto
1896 – The Soarer
1895 – Wild Man
1894 – Why Not
1893 – Cloister Bill
1892 – Father O’Flynn
1891 – Come Away
1890 – Ilex
1889 – Frigate
1888 – Playfair
1887 – Gamecock
1886 – Old Joe
1885 – Roquefort
1884 – Voluptuary
1883 – Zoedone
1882 – Seaman
1881 – Woodbrook
1880 – Empress
1879 – The Liberator
1878 – Shifnal
1877 – Austerlitz
1876 – Regal
1875 – Pathfinder
1874 – Reugny
1873 – Disturbance
1872 – Casse Tete
1871 – The Lamb
1870 – The Colonel
1869 – The Colonel
1868 – The Lamb
1867 – Cortolvin
1866 – Salamander
1865 – Alcibiade
1864 – Emblematic
1863 – Emblem
1862 – The Huntsman
1861 – Jealousy
1860 – Anatis
1859 – Half Caste
1858 – Little Charley
1857 – Emigrant
1856 – Freetrader
1855 – Wanderer
1854 – Bourton
1853 – Peter Simple
1852 – Miss Mowbray
1851 – Abd-EI-Kader
1850 – Abd-El-Kader
1849 – Peter Simple
1848 – Chandler
1847 – Matthew
1846 – Pioneer
1845 – Cure-All
1844 – Discount
1843 – Vanguard
1842 – Gay Lad
1841 – Charity
1840 – Jerry
1839 – Lottery

Auroras Encore

For most punters the dream is to bet on a winning outsider and pocket a lot of cash. When you consider since 1839 there have been just a handful of winners at 100/1 you may be pushing your luck for something more. However, never say never because one day you may be surprised.

For example, in 1967 Foinavon won at odds of 100/1. However, his price on the Tote was 444/1. Now that is what you call a big win. A bet of £50 (a lot of money in the 60s) would have seen a profit of £22,200.

So what was all the fuss about in 2013?

Auroras Encore won the 166th Aintree Grand National for trainer Sue Smith and jockey Ryan Mania in the ownership of Douglas Pryde, Jim Beaumont & David van der Hoeven. They pocketed a prize of £547,268. Not bad for a horse that cost just 7,000 (Euros) as a yearling, when purchased by Frank Barry. He was later purchased by the trainer’s husband Harvey Smith for 9,500 (3yo). Considering this son of Second Empire out of a once-race mare went on to win total prize money of £725,737 it was a good time had by all.

Auroros Encore was with his trainer (Sue Smith) for his entire career which started as a five-year-old making his debut on the 19th February 2007. He finished second at Market Rasen at odds of 25/1 in a National Hunt Flat Race (2m 1 1/2f).

He proved victorious on his fifth start of his formative season at Sedgefield (11th December).

In total, he ran 47 times and achieved 8 wins.

Noted wins included:

3rd April 2008 – Aintree John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) £34,206 (50/1)

Another outstanding effort when runner-up in the Scottish Grand National (when headed close home, beaten a head.) He went for home at the fourth last, held a length lead at the last but couldn’t quite hold on. A brave effort and he lost nothing in defeat.

He won prize money of £38,466.

In a masterful decision, Auroras Encore would only race in the Aintree Grand National. On the 6th April 2013 this gelding took his chance with Ryan Mania in the saddle. The eleven-year-old ran off a light weight of 10-3 on going described as ‘good to soft’. A 40-strong field saw just 17 horses complete the course. Seabass, the 11/2f, finished tired in 13th place.

In an inspired ride, Auroras Encore tracked the leaders, made a mistake at the 10th, hit 4 out, stayed on to lead last, driven out to win by nine lengths at odds of 66/1 (133/1 on the Tote). Sue Smith said regarding the apparent improvement in form: ‘The gelding appreciated the better ground and the greater distance.’

All horses returned safely to their stables.

Sue Smith said: ‘I would have been happy to have been in the first four or five and we’ve won it. The horse ran a fantastic race, Ryan gave him a fantastic ride and always had the horse where he wanted to be. He ran so well in the Scottish National (2nd) that we knew he would get the trip.’

Ryan Mania said: ‘Everything went right. Crossing the Melling Road I thought we could be in the first three or four. I couldn’t believe the way the front two stopped in front of me at the last.’

He may have been an outsider but there was no fluke about this.

Auroras Encore would race just race three more time retiring after finishing 9th at Doncaster on the 25th January 2014 after he suffered a fracture to his right foreleg. He had an operation to insert screws into his leg.

Smith said: ‘I just want him to have a happy retirement. They got him up successfully after surgery and he was staying overnight in the operation box. Fingers crossed. He won the National for us. It doesn’t get bigger than that. He doesn’t owe us anything. This is a racing injury and I’m afraid that is what you have to expect from the job on occasion. I just want him back to his retirement.’

7 Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners Who Ran In The Aintree Grand National

The pinnacle of racing at the Cheltenham Festival saw a fascinating renewal of the Gold Cup. Inothewayurthinkin, trained by Gavin Cromwell, ridden by Mark Walsh, and owned by the richest man from Limerick, J.P. McManus, proved a worthy winner. The seven-year-old gelding left Galopin Des Champs in his wake, returning at odds of 15/2. The Willie Mullins-trained horse and hope for three consecutive wins was dismissed.

The exciting victory proved the intentions of J.P. McManus, a billionaire businessman, professional gambler, and softly spoken Irishman.

McManus spends his money well.

But what added to this brilliant success was the intention and plan for Inothewayurthinkin to win the Aintree Grand National. However, those hopes were dashed with the news that he will head to Punchestown for the Ladbrokes-sponsored Gold Cup.

Considering McManus won the 2024 Grand National with I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and given a fine ride by Paul Townend, there is little doubt he has his eye on second helpings. If you take a look at the betting, you will find that J.P. has three horses high in the market, and it would take a brave bookmaker to consider he won’t take the spoils.

Go back in time and ask bookmaker Fearless Freddie Williams, who lost over a million on one thankless day at Cheltenham.

To McManus, it was little more than playing with Monopoly money.

The Aintree Grand National isn’t far away, and there is a real buzz about the most famous steeplechase in the world.

But here’s a question: How many Gold Cup winners have taken their chance in the Aintree Grand National?

Let’s take a look at seven horses that did just that.

It is worth noting that the Cheltenham Gold Cup was inaugurated in 1924.

In chronological order:

1934: Golden Miller

A true horse racing icon. Owned by Dorothy Paget, not only did Golden Miller win the Gold Cup five times in succession, but he is the only horse to achieve the Gold Cup/Grand National double in the same year (1934). Considering Golden Miller hated Aintree, it showed his class.

1975: L’Escargot

A two-time winner of the Gold Cup (1970, 1971). An exceptional horse trained by Dan Moore and owned by Raymond G. Guest. At the age of 12, he won the 1975 Grand National, beating Red Rum, who was attempting his third consecutive win. It was an imperious victory.

1991: Garrison Savannah

Jenny Pitman’s charge won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1991, beating The Fellow by a short head. Mark Pitman took the ride on the 7/1 shot and finished a gallant second behind Seagram, who ran out an eight-length winner.

1994: The Fellow

A very determined horse who was beaten on two occasions in the Gold Cup by a short head (1991, 1992) before tasting victory in 1994 for François Doumen. However, heading to the Grand National that same year didn’t reap rewards, as the 9/1 shot fell at Canal Turn (24th fence).

1995: Master Oats

Kim Bailey’s nine-year-old gelding ran out an easy 15-length winner at 100/30, ridden by Norman Williamson. Master Oats headed to the Grand National in the same year and was fancied to go well as the 5/1 favourite. However, a hefty weight of 11-10 saw him tire in the closing stages to finish seventh, beaten 15 ¾ lengths. Master Oats made another attempt to win the National in 1997, finishing fifth. He enjoyed an honourable retirement.

This son of Oats out of Miss Poker Face was a true star, winning 10 of his 21 starts. When you consider his first attempt at the Grand National (1994) saw him fall at the 13th fence when carrying only 10-0, you have to think it was a missed opportunity. A very talented horse.

2012: Synchronised

A very popular horse. He won the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup, ridden by Tony McCoy for trainer Jonjo O’Neill in the ownership of J.P. McManus. The nine-year-old beat The Giant Bolster by two and a quarter lengths (50/1), with Long Run in third. Synchronised was priced at 8/1.

He headed to the Aintree Grand National (2012) with top weight (11-10). Priced at 10/1, he was a major hope for Tony McCoy to gain his first National win. Sadly, Synchronised fell at Becher’s Brook (6th fence) and continued riderless. He fell again at the 11th fence and fractured his right hind tibia and fibula. Tragically, Synchronised lost his life.

2014: Long Run

The 2011 Gold Cup winner triumphed at odds of 7/2f, beating the mighty Denman by seven lengths, with Kauto Star in third. Ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen and owned by his father Robert.

Interestingly, Long Run made only one attempt at the Grand National in 2014. The nine-year-old carried 11-9 and was priced at 12/1. He fell at Valentine’s (9th fence).

Many horses have competed in both the Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National. In fact, more horses have taken their chance than I would have imagined. However, the records show that winning both is a rare achievement.

Golden Miller and L’Escargot both accomplished this feat, but the former is the only horse to do the double in the same year. Clearly, all Gold Cup winners have proven class, but this means they have to shoulder extreme weight when tackling the longer distance and gruelling course of Aintree.

It is no easy task.

Pineau De Re

Looking back to the Aintree Grand National 2014.

Pineau De Re, a French-bred son of Maresca Sorrento out of the unraced mare Elfe Du Perche. was born on the 8th May 2003. Bred by Michael Hardy, he went through Goffs France Summer Sale at the age of three and sold by vendor Ecuries Bayard and purchased by Seamus Murphy for 20,000 (Euros).

Previously, in the ownership of Mrs A. Vaughan until 20th December 2007, this bay gelding started his National Hunt racing career in the ownership of Barry Connell. He made his debut at Limerick, finishing second in a National Hunt Flat Race, trained by Philip Fenton ridden by his owner Mr B. Connell.

He would taste victory in the following season with an impressive ‘unchallenged’ victory at Fairyhouse in a 2m National Hunt Flat Race at odds of 8/1. He would head to Cheltenham finishing 7th at odds of 66/1.

Pineau De Re would win 5 races with Philip Fenton before changing stables on the 24th June 2013, at the age of 10.

At this point he was in the ownership of J. A. Provan. This must have come from a private sale as Mr Barry Connell had sent Pineau De Re to the Doncaster Horse In Training Sale on the 14th May 2013 but he was withdrawn.

From that day until retirement at the age of 13 (30th April 2016) he would remain in this ownership and trained Dr Richard Newland at Urloxhey Stables, Droitwich, Worcestershire.

You have to imagine Pineau De Re was purchased with the specific aim of competing in the Aintree Grand National. Certainly, the draw of exceptional prize money is enough to attract plenty with lofty hopes.

Take a look at his 8 career victories and spot the anomaly:

23rd Feb 2008 – Fairyhouse 7,946.50 (Euro)

17th Nov 2010 – Limerick 5,175 (Euro)

20th Oct 2011 – Thurles 10,350 (Euro)

3rd Jan 2013 – Thurles 5,520 (Euro)

3rd April 2013 – Downpatrick 16,250 (Euro)

14th Jan 2014 – Exeter £11,573.60

5th April 2014 – Aintree £561,300

13th Dec 2015 – Carlisle £12,021.30

In fact, in Pineau De Re’s total earnings were £677,271.

Let’s take a look at the Aintree Grand National 2014, which took place on the 5th April (4:15pm).

The 167th Grand National sponsored by Crabbie’s (Alcoholic Ginger Beer). 40 runners took their chance on going described as ‘good to soft’. The betting detailed an open race with Teaforthree and Double Seven 10JF (Joint Favourites). A false start delayed the race. While Battle Group (40/1) in the ownership of The Jolly Boys Outing, refused to race.

18 horses finished. All horse returned safely to their stables.

Pineau De Re was priced 25/1. He was ridden by Leighton Aspell (who would go on to win the following year with Many Clouds, trained Oliver Sherwood in the familiar silks of Trevor Hemmings).

The gelding was given a quiet ride settled in mid-division, led 2 out, drew clear run in to win by 5 lengths from Balthazar King (Philip Hobbs) (14/1), while Double Seven (Martin Brassil) finished a respectable third.

Pineau De Re carried a weight of 10-06. In a very classy field with multiple Grade 1 winners, Tidal Bay, Long Run shouldered much higher weights (11-10 and 11-09). Long Run won the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2011), while Tidal Bay had won the Arkle Challenge Trophy (2008). Neither horse finished the race with Long Run falling at Valetines (9) and Tidal Bay unseating his rider at the Canal Turn (8).

Pineau De Re ran out a good win at the age of eleven.

Dr Richard Newland said: ‘Two or three out we were getting excited. Aspell had a plan and delivered it superbly well. He’s a classy, classy horse, I’ve always thought that. He has a combination of stamina and a touch of speed and it was just a wonderful performance even though he made a few errors.’

The race was run in a time of 9m 9.9s.

Pineau De Re returned to defend his title in 2015. The 25/1 shot, ridden by Daryl Jacobs was prominent 3 out but tired in the closing stages to finished 12th beaten 57 ¾ lengths. Leighton Aspell made a winning decision by riding Many Clouds (25/1), trained by Oliver Sherwood in the ownership of Trevor Hemmings.

It would be the last Aintree Grand National for Pineau De Re. He would race just eight more times (victorious at Carlisle).

His final race came on the 30th April 2016. The 13 year old was priced 10/1 in a 3m Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter. He was pulled up before the 15th fence. Jockey Nico de Boinville said: ‘The gelding was never travelling.’

Racing Post Analysis (Richard Lowther) said: ‘The 2014 Grand National hero now enters honourable retirement.’

Pineau De Re was a remarkable horse because he was predominately raced over hurdles but a classy chaser on his day.