FOLLOWING the comedown from my recent trip to Jordan, there was plenty to cheer me up in not-so-tropical Teesside this week.

Jun 25 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

It was Ladies’ Day at Redcar Races and even though it was tipping down and no red-hot racing tips were coming my way, a brilliant time was had by all – from the comfort of the bar watching on the big screen!

It was great to see so many ladies had made a real effort for the day – much more so than me who didn’t even have a hat or pretty feathers in my hair.

In fact, after Saturday’s event, I think Redcar could definitely rival Ascot when it comes to the glamour stakes.

Personally, I had a bit of a fashion disaster in the morning, when I discovered the lovely red silk dress I wanted to wear had marks on it from my fake tan and I had to make a late substitution.

I opted for a very bright summery maxi dress which cost a tenner from H&M which I love, but was far less classy for an occasion like Ladies’ Day.

I tried to jazz it up a bit with a big diamante butterfly in my hair, but it just didn’t have the same impact as my red dress, silver beads and sequins and killer red heels.

I read an article about Ladies’ Days at racecourses up and down the country, and it seems groups of glam girlies who get done up to the nines for these events have been given their very own name – Waggles.

I’m assuming it comes from ‘Wag’ – the term given to footballers’ wives.

So it’s a cross between what has become a 21st century term for a trophy wife (unfortunately for footballers’ wives who are successful in their own right) and gaggle – a collective term for geese.

Who on earth thought of that rude and unflattering term?

The groups of glam Redcar ladies I saw – clearly inspired by the recent release of the Sex and the City movie and just as lovely as Carrie - made me determined to make more of an effort for the next Ladies’ Day I go to.

Anyone know where I can buy a feathery fascinator at H&M prices?

Sarah Judd is a reporter at the Evening Gazette