Cheltenham Ladies’ Festival Ladies Day saw a bold and stylish blend of fashion and engineering, worn by Matilda Geen, in the form of a fully functioning model railway hat.

The unique headpiece showcases a miniature train that continuously loops around a scenic track built into the brim, turning a traditional raceday hat into a moving display.

Created as a tribute to the thousands of visitors who arrive by train for one of the world’s most celebrated jump racing events, the hat brings together meticulous engineering and high-fashion creativity.

Ladies Day, officially titled Style Wednesday, has been a stage for blending fashion and works of imaginative wearable art, but this is the first model railway hat to grace Cheltenham in its history.

Its debut also comes amid a surge in travel for the festival. With around 55,000 extra racegoers expected, Great Western Railway (GWR) has confirmed it will be increasing services throughout the event to meet demand.

“The Cheltenham Festival is a highlight of our calendar, and we wanted to tip our hat – literally – to the fans who make the journey with us.

“Our goal was to create something that reflects the energy and excitement of the event while reminding everyone that the best way to get to the finish line is with Great Western Railway.”

Dan Panes, GWR Head of External Communications.