Marietta Doran contacted newly qualified milliner Lynne Young earlier this year to ask if she could design a hat to accompany the dress she was wearing at York. The outfit was created by celebrated Tees Valley designer Kate Fearnley, giving bubbly Lynne a huge challenge.

She told me: “Marietta appeared on Channel 4 Racing all afternoon, walking round the course, interviewing spectators and guests and commenting on the ladies’ fashion.

“She mentioned me and my chic hats collection on the show several times, saying how much she loved her own hat also giving details of how it was made.”

But despite living just across the road from the racecourse at Redcar this highly talented lady has only recently discovered the social side of the Sport of Kings. She won the ‘best hat’ prize at Wetherby Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day while her friend from Redcar, Julie Moore, won the ‘best dressed lady’ title in an outfit topped by a feathered hat Lynne made.

“I only went initially for a day out but was hooked by the colour, family atmosphere and the excitement. I was made aware just how important hats are within racing circles and the many ladies days throughout the UK. I love it.”

So why not say hello to Lynne and her daughter at Thirsk this Saturday - they’ll be the ones in the funkiest hats!!