18.02.11 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

Matalan Scout for Style On Ladies Day

The call has gone out for the most stylish racegoers to strut their stuff at this year’s John Smith’s Grand National, Ladies Day on Friday 8 April.

As London Fashion Week kicks off in the capital, Ladies Day organizers are throwing down the gauntlet to fashionistas across the rest of the country to bring their unique style to Aintree – and possibly walk the Style Contest Catwalk.

Thousands of pounds worth of prizes are on offer to the racegoer – male or female - who wows a panel of fashion experts at the country’s most hotly contested race day style challenge.
The 2011 Matalan Style Contest judges include fashion experts who will be looking for the man or woman who stands out from the crowd.  Entry is free and stylistas can now register in advance at aintree.co.uk/style, for the chance to take to the catwalk in the Matalan Style Enclosure.

Aintree Racecourse Marketing Manager Emma Owen said: “The great thing about the Matalan Style Contest is that it’s about style rather than fashion. The Style Contest is often as popular as the racing for spectators and we’re always amazed by the effort that goes into the outfits on Ladies Day. Tickets have been on sale since August 2010, so many racegoers who already have their tickets may now be starting to hunt for their raceday outfits. The winner’s outfit might be something they’ve owned for years – it’s the way they wear it that matters.”

Last year’s Style Contest winner was Sophie Fairclough from Formby, who had this advice for anyone hoping to win the title: “Wear something that suits your body shape. It’s a good idea to wear something that’s not too revealing – remember that raceday fashion is different to what you would wear on a night out. Also, don’t accessorize too much – let the dress speak for itself.”

The prizes for the winner are: £5,000 cash; an Almond Resorts Caribbean holiday for two; a part in a Matalan photo shoot; a £500 shopping spree in Matalan; a £500 Totepool bet; plus £500 worth of Benefit treats.

Everyone who pre-registers on the Style Contest website is also put into a draw to win £250 Matalan vouchers; £500 Benefit goodies; and two VIP tickets to the official John Smith’s Grand National Winners’ Party.

The Style Contest is open to anyone attending Ladies Day. With seven weeks to go, tickets can still be booked online at www.aintree.co.uk. Restaurant hospitality for Ladies Day is also still available.

Advice from Style Contest sponsors Matalan:
How to make the most of Ladies Day at the John Smith’s Grand National:
10am: Arrive at the racecourse – grab your free Matalan goody bag filled with essential raceday items (being given out in the Matalan Style Enclosure between 10am and 1pm).

11.30am: The contest is now open and it’s your time to shine! You’ll be given a Hot Favourite disc if our judges think you have a chance of being in the final, and make sure you take to the catwalk in the Red Rum Garden before 2pm, when the contest closes.

2pm: Enjoy the racing and make sure you head back to the Style Enclosure to see the prize being presented to our winner towards the end of the day – it could be you!
How to get ready for Ladies’ Day

Make sure you check out the Matalan Style blog for raceday style advice from guest blogger Sophie Fairclough, last year’s Style Contest winner, at www.blog.matalan.co.uk. Plus, for beauty tips, visit the Benefit blog for advice from industry insiders, at: www.blog.benefitcosmetics.com.