Summary
The Queen Elizabeth II Stand requires morning dress and a top hat on Derby Day, and the racecourse calls it obligatory. The Grandstand and the Hill have no dress code at all. Our own marquee sits between the two at smart dress. Jump to Men, jump to Men or Women, jump to Women below.
The enclosure decides the code. In the Queen Elizabeth II Stand on Derby Day a man needs a top hat. On the Hill he can wear what he got dressed in that morning.
Which enclosure, which code
- Queen Elizabeth II Stand, Derby DayMorning dress and a top hat, described as obligatory. Applies to hospitality guests too.
- Tattenham Straight MarqueeSmart dress. Jacket and trousers, or a dress.
- GrandstandNo official code. Dressed to feel your best.
- The HillNo code at all.
Our own day sits in the Tattenham Straight Marquee, alongside the final straight, with a private terrace by the rails.
Men
- Queen Elizabeth II Stand, Derby DayBlack or grey morning dress with a top hat. Service dress and full national costume are the two accepted alternatives. Morning dress means a morning coat, the long tailcoat cut away at the front, worn with a waistcoat and formal trousers. Example: grey morning coat, buff waistcoat, striped trousers, grey top hat. Or a black morning coat with a pale blue waistcoat and a black top hat.
- Tattenham Straight MarqueeSmart dress: a jacket and trousers. Trainers, sportswear and replica kits are turned away. Example: navy jacket, open-necked shirt, chinos, brown leather shoes. Or a light grey suit worn without a tie.
- GrandstandNo official code, and you'll see most people in smart summer clothes. Example: linen suit without a tie, or a shirt and dark jeans. Or a blazer with chinos and loafers.
- The HillNothing's required at all. Example: jeans, a shirt and a light jacket for the evening. Or chinos, a polo shirt and flat boots for standing on grass.
Women
- Queen Elizabeth II Stand, Derby DayA formal day dress or a tailored trouser suit, with a hat or a substantial fascinator. Example: knee-length day dress, structured wide-brim hat, block heels. Or a tailored trouser suit with a wide-brim hat.
- Tattenham Straight MarqueeSmart dress. Example: midi dress with a light jacket, or tailored trousers and a blouse. Or a jumpsuit with block heels.
- GrandstandNo official code. Example: summer dress with a fascinator if you want one, and flats for the walk up. Or a printed midi with a light cardigan and flats.
- The HillNothing is required. Example: jeans with a shirt and flat boots for standing on grass. Or a cotton sundress with a denim jacket and trainers.
What else can get you refused entry
- No team coloursNot permitted in the Grandstand enclosure.
- Nothing vulgar or derogatoryAnything deemed so may be refused entry, and so may an inappropriate or offensive outfit.
- The racecourse can add a codeThe racecourse can bring one in for a particular race day, and can refuse entry to anyone not meeting it.
Hospitality doesn't buy an exemption
In the Queen Elizabeth II Stand the code covers everyone, whether they're there for the racing alone or in hospitality, and children are expected to be dressed appropriately too. Guests often assume hospitality relaxes the rule. In this stand it doesn't.
Our day at Epsom
The Tattenham Straight Marquee has a private terrace by the rails, and it runs across two days at Epsom Downs. It opens with a Pimm's reception, then a three-course lunch drawing on British cooking. There's an inclusive bar through the afternoon, afternoon tea, live music, and a tipster on hand for the card. Your seats are reserved by the final straight.
Smart dress means a jacket and trousers, or a dress. No morning coat and no top hat.
It suits a group of eight or ten who came for the racing rather than the occasion.
The morning dress requirement is specific to Derby Day, and the racecourse words it as obligatory rather than encouraged. Everywhere else on the course that day, the enclosure rules above are what apply.
Sian Jones
Sport Events Operations Manager
Sport Events Operations Manager at Imperial Corporate Events. She’s the one on the ground making sure your day runs, from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to Royal Ascot.
