‘There are no standards left in this country!’ – Nigel Farage reacts with fury to Jockey Club scrapping dress code
TWEED-LOVING Nigel Farage reacted with fury to The Jockey Club scrapping formal dress codes at their 15 racecourses.
Racing bosses have got rid of the ‘outdated’ style guides at top tracks including Cheltenham and Epsom.
ReutersFarage said it was ‘almost unbelievable’ that The Jockey Club was scrapping its dress code at all 15 of its racecourses[/caption]
Although Derby Day at the Surrey track and events like Royal Ascot – outside The Jockey Club’s remit – remain subject to the old rules.
The development, which comes into place with immediate effect, was met with approval by and large.
But former UKIP leader Farage said it was ‘almost unbelievable’ the forward-thinking and inclusive initiative had been approved.
Speaking on GB News, he said it showed there are ‘no standards left in this country at all’.
Farage, 58, raged: “The Jockey Club, of all institutions, have decided that for race meetings – and it’s almost unbelievable this because they’re actually talking about Cheltenham and Epsom, not Royal Ascot yet – that the dress codes are going to change.
“People should dress as they feel most comfortable and most confident.
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“There should be an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
“I mean God help us. There are no standards left in this country at all.
“Unless, of course, you think I’m completely old-fashioned and totally outdated.
“And if you do, I couldn’t really care less.”
Explaining the decision, Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive at The Jockey Club, said: “Horseracing has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important to us to be accessible and inclusive.
“We hope that by no longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn’t wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.
“For those who visit our venues, a day at the races is all about spending quality leisure time with friends and family and we believe people enjoy themselves best when they feel relaxed.
“A major part of that is wearing clothing which you are comfortable in.
“While The Jockey Club has a rich heritage and history it is also a forward-thinking organisation which places a great emphasis on diversity and inclusion and always seeks to reflect modern trends.
“So, when we reviewed this area of the raceday experience, it has been clear to us that enforcing a dress code seems rather outdated in the 21st Century in the eyes of many of our racegoers.
“Of course that doesn’t mean we are discouraging people from dressing up for a day at the races if they want to.
“This is about giving people a choice and the opportunity to come racing dressed however they feel most comfortable and confident, while also bearing in mind the challenges regularly presented by the British weather!”
The Jockey Club welcome four million people to their racecourses each year for Flat and jumps fixtures.
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