Racing attracts more women each year. So what's the appeal? MAXINE GORDON goes to York's Ebor meeting to find out. Pictures by MIKE TIPPING.

HEY say horse racing is the sport of kings, but today its regal champions are the Queen and the Queen Mother. They have the art of going to the races off to a tee: equally successful at picking winners in the betting stakes as the fashion ones.

Likewise, many women racegoers know their Cerruti from their Dettori, confidently mixing designer flair with a knack for picking a winning nag or two.

Each year, more women are coming to York races, with tomorrow's Ladies Day proving more popular than ever.

"It's always been a popular day," says James Brennan, marketing manager at the racecourse. "But it is growing in popularity. Our booking figures are 13 per cent busier than last year and last year was busier than the year before."

He believes the special atmosphere at the races explains the attraction.

"There is an exaggerated courtesy on the day: men raise their hats, and women feel like duchesses for the day - and why not!"

Janet Berry of Dunnington is a regular at the races and has been a member at York for several years. Working in the pub trade, she enjoys keeping an eye on the form. A mix-up has meant she is on holiday this week rather than being at Ebor, but she will still be placing bets.

"I have an account with a bookmaker and I'll be keeping an eye on what is going on in York."

There's no getting away from the fact that the races give women a rare occasion to dress up. On Ladies Day there is even a Best Dressed Filly contest.

But is it really more about poses than horses? Where better to find out than from the horse's mouth itself: lady race- goers at York.

Nicky Patten, from Haxby, has been coming to York races for eight years.

"It's nice to dress up and I love wearing hats," smiles Nicky, looking super chic in a pink and black creation from Get Ahead Hats of York. "There's not many occasions in York that you get a chance to dress up.

"I always bet on every race. I tend not to go for the favourite. I go for pretty colours and bet on that. I think you have a 50:50 chance either way."

Dawn Remblance, from Bridlington, is influenced by the horse's name and the colour of jockey silks when it comes to backing horses. For her, betting is a fun part of the day which is all about looking good, mixing with friends and enjoying yourself.

"As long as you have got good company and are warm, you'll have a good time," says Dawn who was wearing a pink pashmina over a brightly-coloured crochet dress from Karen Millen.

Dawn Smith, from Strensall, likes to be colour co-ordinated - and likes her horses to match too. On this occasion she was wearing shocking pink hot pants and cowboy boots. "I found the boots first and had to hunt for the rest. Often, I pick the horses wearing the colours I am wearing. I think it's just the luck of the draw."

For Dawn, turning heads is as important as backing winners. "I like to look different and be noticed."

Socialising and champagne are two big draws at race meetings. Caroline Spencer, from Wentbridge near Pontefract, confesses to loving the races, but not for the sport.

"I don't bet... I don't even see a horse," says Caroline, who is wearing a dinky black top hat and bubblegum-pink jacket. "I like just being with friends and drinking champagne and enjoying the atmosphere. It's a great British tradition."

Dawn Coats, from County Durham, is a regular at Newcastle races but this week decided to come to York for the first time with friends.

Wearing a fabulous jacket, skirt and matching top hat in a pink fabric shot through with lilac, she admitted dressing up was part a large part of the attraction.

"I do bet - I follow Frankie Dettori. Racing is great because it is something women can do with their husbands. You can't go shopping with them because you end up arguing. But when you come to the races you can have a chat, have a drink, a bet and just enjoy yourself."

u Ladies Day takes place tomorrow at York Racecourse.

u The Evening Press is sponsoring the first ever Sunday race meeting at York on September 3.

PICTURES: TOP - Horses, what horses? Regular racegoer Caroline Spencer prefers socialising with friends to watching horses.

BELOW - Dawn Remblance, from Bridlington, says good company is the key to a fun day out.