Ladies and gentlemen dressed in their best for fashions on the field as they kicked up their heels for the Lindsay Australia Bundaberg Gold Cup on Saturday.
Race day organiser Shanyn Limpus said the weather was perfect and it was expected more than 1000 people, from near and far, would pass through the gates.
Before the races got under way it was time for the highly anticipated Fashions on the Field, with former Miss Universe Australia winner Kimberley Busteed MC for the competition.
Entrants were encouraged to wear a touch of red for The Melbourne Hotel-sponsored event that had four categories, Lady of the Day, Gentleman of the Day, Best Millinery, and Best-Dressed Couple.
Lady of the Day went to Trudie Payne and the Best Millinery winner was Rachael Murray while Gentleman of the Day went to Kyle Schneider.
Taking out the title of best-dressed couple were Andrew Pryor and Corynne Hellmuth who were dressed in a navy blue combination with a subtle hint of red.
A lot of work had gone in to each outfit which was perfectly matched for the theme of the day.
Milliner busy until the last minute
Bundaberg milliner Linda Ford said it was a busy time of year for her, but always a pleasure to be creating some of the beautiful fashions on race day.
Linda said she had been up until midnight Friday placing the last threads in some of the headwear.
“I ended up running out of time to finish my hat, so I whipped up this turban I am wearing at the last minute,” Linda said.
With years of experience under her hat, Linda said it only took about 15 minutes and she was ready with her turban to match her red-themed jewellery.
“I make all sorts of different pieces and enjoy making pieces that stand out and are a little different,” Linda said.
“To make these pieces I think you need to have a natural flair – I don’t like sewing I like the creativity.
“My Nan was a seamstress and she use to do all the sewing and I’d just give her the idea; she made beautiful clothes.
“She actually made my last ball dress at 80 years of age, so I guess that’s where I get in from.”
Linda said she had always had a keen eye for different fashion and enjoyed “pushing the boundaries” and found she could experiment with the head pieces she made.
“Most ladies will bring in their dress, give me a bit of an idea and we look at the colour and then we go from there,” she said.
“Some clients start off small and each year they come in and get a little bigger and more out there. I think they discover their inner-flamboyance; that’s what I call it.
“Doing this is lovely way to spend the day, I used to be a book keeper and it beats that!”
Men dressed their best
It wasn’t just the ladies who were dressed to impress for the Lindsay Australia Bundaberg Cup, Bundaberg’s Mark Wagenknecht gathered his mates and host his buck’s day at the race event.
Mark said it wouldn’t be the races if the boys didn’t dress in style and they took the opportunity to suit-up with a little bit of fun.
“Some of us have never been to the races and we are really enjoying ourselves and have even entered in the Fashion on the Field,” Mark said.
Shanyn said there were seven race days on the calendar for the year and it was a great start for the season.
“Our Melbourne Cup race is almost booked out, nearly all the private areas are gone so people need to make sure they have booked to avoid disappointment,” Shanyn said.
Bundaberg Gold Cup winner
Executed won the Bundaberg Cup, ridden by J Missen and trained by Krystle Johnston, finishing two lengths ahead of Al's Briefs with Fasta Than Light third.
The next race to be held at Bundaberg will be on 7 September.
- Melbourne Cup caller bound for Bundaberg Races
