Ascot are to give a full refund to premier enclosure customers following a public relations blunder over their new dress code policy at Saturday's meeting.

Racegoers who did not conform with the rules were given an orange sticker to signify they had been warned that similar attire would not be acceptable at future meetings.

The move did not go down well with punters, and Ascot officials have accepted it was a bad move.

In a statement, Ascot chief executive Charles Barnett said: "It is clear that we let down many of our premier enclosure customers yesterday with a well intentioned but misguided policy.

"No customer should be expected to pay for such an experience and we have taken the view that all premier enclosure visitors yesterday will receive a full refund.

"We have worked very hard for many years to establish ourselves as a benchmark for customer service and are making this statement today to reinforce that we will not allow our reputation as a welcoming sports venue to be tarnished by an isolated lack of judgement on our part.

"We will work through the logistics of the refunds tomorrow. Most people will have booked in advance or paid by card on the day, but we will look after cash customers too and anyone who still has their admission badge should hold on to it."