High winds, high spirits at Riccarton

It was a case of hold on to your hats and your hemlines at Riccarton Park as strong winds blew on the final day of the New Zealand Cup Meeting 2019.

But despite the blustery weather thousands of people from across the country gathered on Saturday for a day of high stakes gambling and high class fashion.

By noon the races were well under way, but away from the track there was plenty of competition among who was the best dressed.

Women opted for outfits of all colours and cuts – mixing and matching hats, fascinators and accessories.

And while most men went for shirts and slacks, some dialled-up the style in designer suits and sports jackets.

Among the fashionistas were Anna Campbell and her two daughters Claudia and Eleanor.

The family trio travelled down from Cambridge, in Waikato.

‘‘We come every year,’’ Anna said.

‘‘It’s always a great event and I love checking out the fashions.’’

Also looking chic was makeup artist Chelsea Ellis, who was there with a group of 10 friends.

She said her main hope was to have fun and not to get sunburnt.

And her pal Eve Thomas, an agricultural science student, said she planned to have a bit of a flutter while she was there.

She said she didn’t really know anything about racing and would pick her horse based on the names but friend Cameron McLeod said he’d got some tips he’d pass on, gleaned from his ‘‘insider knowledge’’.

On the Grand National lawn people checked the form guides and assessed the odds as they waited for the next race to get under way.

And spirits were high as the afternoon went by.

Enjoying the atmosphere were mates Peter Adcock and Miles Gruschow.

Furniture installer Peter said he’d had a few bets but only lost a small amount, about ‘‘100 bucks’’.

And Miles, who works in sales and marketing, said they got the party started that morning with an

Anna Campbell with her daughters Claudia and Eleanor all looking glamorous.

Therese

Coffey looks chic as she takes a moment to contemplate.

early round of beers. ‘‘We started drinking at 8.30am,’’ he said.

Looking chic in a blue hat and orange dress was Therese Coffey, who was there with her husband Adrian Coffey.

The couple are originally from Ireland but now live in Christchurch and like many people there, they were enjoying a well-earned day away from the kids.

Aucklanders Eddie Baddeley

Auckland couple Eddie Baddeley and Alyse Seekup having a great day. and Alyse Seekup were also down for the weekend and were enjoying the day.

Alyse wore a champagne coloured fascinator and a stylish off-the-shoulder dress, while Eddie

Dapper chap Eugene Sanders rocks a tartan suit and tie.

rocked a shirt, tie and sunhat.

‘‘It’s always a great occasion,’’ Alyse said.

‘‘I love the horses, the fashions, all the people.

‘‘It’s a great day out.’’