Market Rasen Ladies Day: Best Dressed Winner Named

Helene Price turned a friend’s bridesmaid dress into a £1,000 win at Market Rasen’s Laceby Manor Style Awards, held alongside Betway Summer Plate Ladies Day

It turned out to be a race meeting to remember at Market Rasen on Saturday 18th July for Helene Price, who celebrated one of her “best ever days out” after being crowned Best Dressed Person in the Laceby Manor Style Awards — and walked away £1,000 richer.

The 34-year-old saw her creative flair and upcycling efforts recognised after winning the hotly contested competition, staged alongside the seven-race card during Betway Summer Plate Ladies Day at the Lincolnshire venue.

How Helene Won Best Dressed

Wearing a purple dress she’d previously worn as a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding, Helene, made her own floral headpiece and purple bag, while her silver shoes came from online store Pretty Little Thing.

Her look caught the eye of judges Amy Maher, Jessica Purdie and Lauren Rook — and Helene was quick to share credit for the winning design.

“It was a dress I wore as a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding, and I made the hat and bag to match,” she said. “I like to repurpose outfits and give things a new lease of life. Me and my mum got creative, so I can’t take all the credit as it wasn’t just myself.

“We like to make things that are a bit individual as I like to express my individual flair. I think that is a nice thing to do and going racing allows you to do that.

“I think wearing something I’ve created myself, with a bit of help from my mum, makes the win more special.”

Helene admitted the win took her by surprise. “This has been one of my best ever days out. It has taken me completely by surprise as there are a lot of lovely women here. To be picked as a finalist was great, but to win it overall is simply incredible.

“I was quite nervous standing among the final three, but it was also quite exciting at the same time. The longer talking went on the more nerve racking it became. When my name was called out it was just unbelievable.”

The Prizes

Alongside her four-figure cheque, Helene picked up a four-hour design session with Jessica Purdie, a wellness spa break for two at Laceby Manor, a Pin Gin hamper, and a flower arrangement from Ruby & Co. She also won a Premier Experience for four in Altior’s restaurant and two county enclosure tickets for Wild West Beer Fest on 26th September.

As for the £1,000 itself, Helene wasn’t yet sure what she’d spend it on — beyond treating her mum. It was her first visit to Market Rasen, but she confirmed it won’t be her last: “It is one that we have never been to before, so we thought while we are down here we will make the effort and come. I will definitely be coming back here as it is a lovely racecourse.”

Best Dressed Couple: Evie and Alfie’s Story

The prize for Best Dressed Couple went to Evie Thomas, from Grimsby, and her partner Alfie Jarvis, from Keelby — a win with particular significance for the pair.

“We are so happy to have won, it means a lot to us,” Evie said. “Market Rasen racecourse will always hold a special place in our hearts as it was where we first met. It was the summer evening races when James Arthur was playing, and we didn’t leave each other’s side for the whole day. Therefore, it’s always so special coming back and this time will definitely be one to remember.”

Evie and Alfie’s prizes included a Couples Ritual Spa Day at Laceby Manor and a Fortnum & Mason hamper courtesy of Rendered Fits.

FAQ

What is the Laceby Manor Style Awards at Market Rasen? A best-dressed competition staged alongside the race card during Market Rasen’s Ladies Day, judging racegoers’ outfits with prizes from Laceby Manor and other sponsors.

Who won Best Dressed at Market Rasen Ladies Day 2026? Helene Price, a 34-year-old safeguarding officer from Barnard Castle, won with an upcycled purple bridesmaid dress and handmade headpiece and bag.

What prizes did the Best Dressed winner receive? A £1,000 cheque, a design session with Jessica Purdie, a spa break for two at Laceby Manor, a Pin Gin hamper, a flower arrangement from Ruby & Co, a Premier Experience for four in Altior’s restaurant, and tickets to Wild West Beer Fest.

Who won Best Dressed Couple at Market Rasen? Evie Thomas, from Grimsby, and Alfie Jarvis, from Keelby, who first met at Market Rasen’s summer evening races.