With Cheltenham Festival kicking off tomorrow, I found myself thinking about one of the most effortlessly stylish race-day looks of all time – and it comes courtesy of Zara Tindall. The King’s niece has become something of a style icon at the races, regularly stepping out in chic countryside outfits that perfectly capture the balance of elegance and practicality.

One look in particular caught my attention: the suede Frances coat from British brand Fairfax & Favor that Zara wore to the races last year. Curious to see how the look felt in person, I headed down to the brand’s boutique in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where I tried on the iconic design for myself – stepping into the same royal race-day style Zara, 44, has made her signature.

Priced at £625, the tailored coat has since become one of the label’s most recognisable pieces, and after trying it for myself, I can understand why – it is simply gorgeous.

Made from soft suede, the Frances trench coat has a beautifully structured silhouette with a matching belt that cinches neatly at the waist before falling into a long, flattering line. The cut feels instantly polished and put-together, making it the sort of piece that works just as well for race days as it does for everyday dressing. And, while it has a trench coat style, because it is made from a slightly thicker fabric than a classic trench, it makes a great transitional piece that will carry you through the chillier days on the lead-up to spring.

As soon as I put it on, I fell in love.

When I visited the brand’s Norfolk headquarters, Fairfax & Favor co-founder Marcus Fairfax Fountaine explained that outerwear often becomes the centrepiece of a Cheltenham outfit.

“Cheltenham can be cold and unpredictable, so outerwear often becomes the focal point of an outfit,” he told me. “A beautifully tailored coat like the Frances works so well because it combines warmth with effortless style – and at Cheltenham, the coat can often be the outfit.”

And while this coat is an investment, it’s one that has longevity. The classic cut and style mean it’s not just a fleeting trend; it is designed to be worn year after year.

“Cheltenham style is rooted in classic country dressing,” Marcus explained. “Investment pieces that never feel dated are key, and the Frances trench is something you can return to season after season.”

To recreate Zara’s race-day look, I paired the coat with the brand’s Uppingham boots, which retail at £445. Crafted from smooth leather with a sturdy heel, they felt reassuringly practical – exactly what you need when you know you’ll be walking across racecourse lawns all day.

“Footwear is always the starting point for a Cheltenham outfit because you’ll be on your feet all day,” Marcus said. “A beautifully crafted tall boot with a solid heel provides both comfort and stability on the racecourse.”

The final piece of the outfit was the Loxley bag, priced at £295. Compact yet elegant, it can be carried by hand or worn across the body with its detachable strap, which, as any Cheltenham regular knows, is often the more practical option.

That hands-free styling means you can hold a glass of champagne in one hand and place your bet with the other. “Accessories are where you can add subtle personality to a look,” Marcus said. “A structured bag like the Loxley helps pull everything together while maintaining that refined countryside aesthetic.”

With its blend of heritage style and modern practicality, it is easy to see why Fairfax & Favor has become such a Cheltenham favourite.

Because while the horses may take centre stage, seasoned racegoers know that the real spectacle often happens off the track, and Zara Tindall’s race-day wardrobe continues to set the bar.