While we’ve only just taken the decision to move Ladies Day to a new date in October, it’s never too early to start thinking about your costume.

It seemed such a shame, when so many people were looking forward to the annual fashion fest at the end of May, to abandon it entirely after the BHA announced the cessation of all jump racing until 1st July. The new date, on Sunday 4th October, allows for more than six months of social distancing to elapse – so we can only hope that we’ll be able invite the crowds back to Kelso by then.

We’ve started to line up prizes for the best-dressed competitions and we’ve decided to introduce a new category for those whose costumes have been fashioned by their own fair hand. I’ve taken my bedroom curtains down already and have started running up a very fetching three-piece suit in Hawick tartan. It’s sure to be a hit with the judges.

Anyone who has booked tickets for the May Ladies Day will automatically have their reservations transferred to October, although of course there will also be the option of a refund (or a voucher for an alternative raceday) for those who can’t make the date.

Home-made costumes and vintage clothing are likely to be the order of the day – at least until we’re all able to go shopping in the Highstreet once more. Not that I have anything against the range of ‘Tu’ branded clothing offered by Sainsburys – it would just be so embarrassing if someone else turned up in the same outfit…

Their adult sizes of Spiderman costume, for example, are sure to be a hit – coming, as they do, complete with a full face-mask . I should point out, for the sake of clarity, that the mask is not actually medically proven to give protection against viral transmission. Meanwhile, the mask that accompanies the Bat-girl costume looks worse than useless for medical purposes, although it does have very cute ears.

For those who are more discerning and less inventive in their dressing habits, there is always the internet. I am told that Archie Hume, one of most enthusiastic judges on our panel, offers a fantastic range of both ladieswear and menswear from his website at www.ahume.co.uk . There also happens to be a sale on now.

It’s essential that social distancing comes to an end well before October and not just because we’d love to gather a good party. Unless the 70s style mullet is going to come back into favour (which it might after Red Rum* wins the virtual Grand National tomorrow – our selection for this weekend’s non-racing action), or pony-tails, I really need a haircut.

* The Virtual Grand National seemingly features only the entries for this year’s race, a slightly unimaginative twist given the limitless opportunities for argument associated with integrating runners from the past. Definitely Red will be difficult to keep out of the frame.