Sandown will review dress code after snub to racegoers with white trainers

Sandown has pledged to review its dress code arrangements after significant social media criticism greeted the news that two racegoers had initially been refused entry to the track's most expensive enclosure due to their footwear.

Racing Post tipster Paul Kealy revealed on his Twitter account that "two perfectly well-dressed young women" had been told they could not enter Sandown's Premier Enclosure because they were wearing trainers.

They were described by Kealy as "the cleanest you'll ever see" but the white trainers were in contravention of the guidance stated on Sandown's website.

The two racegoers were eventually permitted to enter after further consideration by a different member of staff, yet their initial rejection reignited the debate about racecourse dress codes.

ITV and Sky broadcaster Leonna Mayor wrote on Twitter: "No trainers at racecourses . . . apt. May not be many left if the racing industry doesn’t pull its socks up. Which also no-one seems to wear anymore."

Shane Anderson, who previously hosted television coverage of Melbourne's top races on racing.com, reacted by posting: "Stuck in the dark ages. Embarrassing."

Stephen Pollard, editor-at-large of The Jewish Chronicle, told his almost 36,000 followers: "This is a sport that has a death wish. I love racing but sometimes I really hate it."

Another user of the platform, Tom Barkley, tweeted: "Come racing they say. However if you cheer, sing or wear trainers then you'll be lambasted, removed or even worse, not allowed in. The longer the elitists remain the same, then racing will too. This is seriously bad."

A Sandown spokesperson said: "A dress code is in place for the Premier Enclosure and it is part of the role of our raceday teams to try to ensure this is followed. However, we are taking today’s feedback on board and will now review this for future fixtures.”

Outlining the Premier Enclosure's current dress rules on its website, Sandown states: "Guests are required to follow our smart casual guidelines, and encouraged to dress for a special occasion. Men are advised to wear collared shirts, polo shirts or polo-necked jumpers. Smart trousers, chinos and smart jeans are accepted. Hats and fascinators are welcome but not essential. Please note fancy dress, shorts, trainers, sportswear and flip-flops are not permitted."

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