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The Canberra Times

Bright colours and florals complement spring atmosphere at ACT race day

Keegan Carroll Canberra

Thoroughbred Park celebrated the big day in its own way with hundreds attending this year's Melbourne Cup event.

The sun eventually made an appearance and it became perfect weather for the day, as attendees donned bright colours and florals to complement the spring atmosphere.

Cassandra Ambrose, of Merimbula, said the races had a special place in her family. She was dedicating the day and her outfit to her late grandfather, who she would always attend with.

"I saw it as a little bit of a godsend in a way. It's my grandfather's birthday today, and horse racing is a very big thing for us," she said.

Wearing a handmade light blush and purple gown, sporting puff sleeves, embossed floral fabric and unique shine and trimmings, she said, "I had a little bit of FOMO not heading to Melbourne this year so I thought I may as well dust off."

"I think I was up until about quarter to three this morning, putting the finishing touches on the outfit," Mrs Ambrose said in regards to her extravagant millinery piece, which involved a variety of textures including coloured glass, wood, and appliques and feathers that added an extra touch of style.

Fashions on the field in Canberra. Pictures by Keegan Carroll

Though she owns four horses herself, she said she ultimately loves it for the fashion. "It's all about embodying your personality, and I like to show that through my flare."

"The bigger, the brighter, the bolder, the better," Mrs Ambrose said.

Regular race attendee Amanda Anderson, who was seen in a bright yellow ensemble, had a similar sentiment.

Jason Crockett from Nowra enters fashions on the field. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Rachel McNamara and Charlotte Martin enjoy the sun at the Melbourne Cup day at Thoroughbred Park. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Cassandra Ambrose from Bega enters the fashions on the field. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Donna Moss from Sydney enters the fashions on the field. Picture by Keegan Carroll

People enjoy Melbourne Cup day at Thoroughbred Park. Picture by Keegan Carroll

All the action from Thoroughbred Park. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Amanda Anderson from Canberra enters the fashions on the field. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Amy Woods from Bowral enters the fashions on the field. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Fashions on the Field at Thoroughbred Park. Picture by Keegan Carroll

People enjoying the entertainment at the Canberra races. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Action from Thoroughbred Park. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Kristen Davidson hosts Fashions on the Field. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Her custom-made dress was detailed with intricate sewing work, a bright blue headpiece, elegant white mesh gloves adorned with rings, a colourful sparkly clutch and bright red heels to match her hair.

Mrs Anderson said she was all about "doing it local" with her dress and headpiece made by Canberra designers. She also said she loves the opportunity the day gives for everyone to experience the races.

"It's great to have a regional area celebrating the Melbourne Cup and doing it in fine style," she said.

Though most of the fashion focus is on the women, the men also took time to put effort into their outfits.

Jason Crockett, who travelled from Nowra for the big day, paid extra attention to detail this year.

Dressed in a lace suit jacket, between bold blue pants and a hat in the same cobalt shade that Mr Crockett said is trending at the moment.

Inspired by the ladies' fashions, he said, "I've seen the ladies before dress up in the lace dresses, and they look amazing, so I thought how I could incorporate that into my race day look."

Mr Crockett is not afraid to stand out, "It's me and some people love it and some people think maybe not," he said.

"I normally do stuff that's just a little bit different," he said.

He regularly attends Canberra meets and though he said he never has too much luck with betting, he is happy to attend for the fashion.

Once the "Best dressed" and "Best suited" competitions were underway and the horses had left the barriers, the atmosphere was electric.

There were smiles all around, beverages flowing and the sun shone down as punters cheered on their top picks, hoping for success.

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