Horses, ladies ready to fascinate at races
Southland Times reporter Collette Devlin will be a judge of the Southland Racing Club’s fashion in the field tomorrow. She will be on the lookout for southerners with a flair for fashion, so dress to impress.
Organisers of Southland Racing Club’s gold cup meeting are urging punters to relax and have fun at tomorrow’s event. A survey of punters at the Christmas races revealed fun was a key factor for people who attended, so organisers have promised a social day out for everyone tomorrow.
Fashion in the field organisers have also raised the fashion stakes and are urging punters to get into their glad rags for the competition – think New Zealand Cup and Melbourne Cup standards.
Gallop South events, marketing and promotions manager Patrice Spencer-humm organised the competition and said she hoped people would get into the spirit of the day. ‘‘We have high expectations. We would like to see ladies wearing the full race attire; hat or fascinator, matching shoes and bag and a pretty dress. The men should make an effort to look smart in suits and hats,’’ she said.
Judges will also be scouting the crowd for outstanding outfits.
Best dressed in both categories will win champagne and clothes vouchers. Best dressed lady will also win some fabulous jewels.
Prizes are also up for grabs for the runner-up in each section.
Heats will take place at 1pm and the final judging will take place at 2.45pm, after race six.
Gallop South Southland racing manager Jason Spencer said he was aware other events were also taking place in Southland but he
Patrice Spencer-humm
hoped raceday would attract more than 2000 punters. ‘‘It will be a great day out for racing enthusiasts and there will be plenty of children’s entertainment for families,’’ he said.
Although businesses and social groups had booked 18 marquees on the course and the functions room were full, there would be plenty of room for whoever wanted to attend, he said.
The main races of the day are the $25,000 Southland Times Invercargill Gold Cup and the ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas. Entry is $10 and free for under 18s. There will be an array of cuisine for sale.