Spectators turned out in force - and dressed to the nines - for one of the most exciting days on the horse racing calendar.

Ladies Day sees hundreds pour through the gates of Brighton Racecourse all clad in their finest outfits.

Some 1,500 bottles of prosecco were drunk and 1,000 bowls of fresh strawberries eaten during Thursday's event.

The weather was perfect for racegoers this time around, despite rain threatening to put the dampeners on celebrations.

READ MORE: MasterChef's Kenny Tutt slammed by staff after closure

A spokesman for Brighton Racecourse said: Every year, Brighton Racecourse's Ladies Day is attended by dapper and stylish racegoers, who show-off the unique and fashion-forward style that Brighton is renowned for.

“Part of the Festival Of Racing, Brighton’s Ladies Day is the perfect excuse to get glammed up and enjoy some sunshine and racing.”

To encourage fancy fashion, the racecourse holds style awards for the thousands of racegoers to put their best shoes forward to impress the judges.