Showstopping Women
The Only Way is Rowing
Jo, Sheila, Lorena, and Sam are four proud Essex women on a mission like no other to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 2025. Their goal isn’t just to complete one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges, but to prove that: age is no barrier, and ordinary women are capable of extraordinary things. Together, they are more than a crew. Watch their story below.
Katie Smith
Katie is a truly remarkable woman. When her husband Adam was given just 12 months to live, she made the selfless decision to leave her full-time job and dedicate herself to caring for him—all while raising their seven children. Through every high and low, Katie has carried an immense weight on her shoulders with unwavering strength and love.
Talia Lazarus
After a freak accident, Talia Lazarus was initially left unable to walk. Faced with a long road to recovery, Talia set out to re-learn how to walk and eventually run. On her journey, Talia began speaking with others who had overcome their own challenges, and with that, I got back up, was born.
Julie Taylor Bcac
After the tragic murder of her 19-year-old grandson Liam in 2020, Julie Taylor chose purpose over pain. She became one of Essex’s most determined voices against knife crime — dedicating every day to preventing other families from experiencing the same loss. Through powerful talks in schools, youth groups, and prisons, turning heartbreak into education.
Sue Bell OBE
Sue Bell is the visionary behind Kids Inspire, a leading children’s mental health charity based in Essex. As the founder, Sue has shown extraordinary dedication, and tireless advocacy for children’s mental health, guided it from supporting 25 young people to transforming over 5,000 lives annually.
Shelley Wheeler
Shelley is the driving force behind every race day at Chelmsford City Racecourse. A lifelong horsewoman with a background in breeding and showing, she began her racing journey at the British Horseracing Authority, before stepping trackside in 2015. Now Clerk of the Course, Shelley oversees the safety and logistics behind every fixture.
Vanessa Brett
What started as a personal creative journey into millenary, has become a story of reinvention, inspiration and entrepreneurial success. Vanessa’s courage to begin again, and succeed on her own terms, makes her a role model to women of all ages — especially her proud daughter
Hayley Turner
As part of our campaign, we interviewed Hayley Turner OBE, a pioneering jockey who recently celebrated her 1000th win here at Chelmsford City Racecourse. She is the spirit of perseverance, skill, and determination, redefining what it means to be a leading figure in British horseracing. We sat down with her and spoke about what it felt like to hit this massive achievement and what it’s like to see other women coming up in racing. Hayley shared her reflections on the journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the pride she feels in watching the next generation of female jockeys carve out their own paths in a sport that has long been male-dominated.
Charlotte Brew
Essex-born Charlotte Brew made history in 1977 as the first female jockey to ride in the Grand National. Her courage and determination broke barriers and set the stage for future generations. We sat down with her and spoke about what she had to overcome in this industry, and what it was like being a woman in a predominantly male sport. Charlotte shared insights into the challenges she faced, from societal expectations to industry resistance, and how she persevered to pave the way for other women in racing.
Showstopping Style and Spirit
We are excited to continue our partnership with style pioneers Fenwick for a second year. Since the launch of Showstopping Women in 2024, this family-owned business has been a tremendous supporter, providing luxury prizes for our Ladies Day best dressed and best millinery winners, as well as surprising our showstopping women nominees with special gifts.
Together, we share a mission to celebrate and empower women. Earlier this year, Fenwick generously treated two of our showstopping women, Katie and Julie, to special personal shopping experiences, before surprising the inspirational ladies by gifting them with stunning outfits for Ladies Day.
Since opening its doors in 1882, Fenwick has been a leader in luxury fashion, offering an unparalleled selection of brands and garments to meet every wardrobe need, including the perfect outfit for racing and Ladies’ Day. Fenwick has department stores across the UK, including in Colchester.
Every Shade of Showstopping
We’re proud to announce our brand new partnership with MAC Cosmetics at John Lewis, Chelmsford, in celebration of our upcoming Ladies Day at Chelmsford City Racecourse and the empowering Showstopping Women campaign.
Together, we’re launching Every Shade of Showstopping—a special collaboration that honours the beauty, individuality, and strength of inspirational women. As part of this initiative, we will be showcasing a selection of remarkable women, highlighting their stories in the lead-up to one of the most stylish and spirited days on the racing calendar.
Because at Ladies Day, the spotlight isn’t just on the fashion or the finish line—true showstoppers come in every shade—and every one of them deserves to be seen.
Support a Woman. Spark a Transformation
In a world where too many women are locked out of opportunity, Smart Works helps level the playing field. The award-winning UK charity provides high-quality clothing and coaching to help unemployed women get the job – and change their lives.
Last year alone, Smart Works supported over 10,000 women. Two-thirds secured a job within a month.
Chelmsford City Racecourse is proud to announce a partnership with Smart Works as part of the Ladies Day and Showstopping Women Campaign. Our aim with this collaboration to tell the stories of the volunteers who support and lift women up and help give them the tools they need to go into employment.
Browse a curated collection of high-end clothing, at Chelmsford City Racecourse this Ladies Day — all in support of a powerful cause.
Every purchase helps Smart Works provide women with the coaching, clothing, and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace.
