RACE meetings are an opportunity for racegoers to bring out the style and fashions – and Swan Hill’s carnival was no exception.
All three days were awash with fashions of classic, retro, modern and even handmade varieties.
Starting off on Friday the Swan Hill Ladies in Racing held their annual lunch at the Hub at the racecourse, kicking off the fashion stakes with the first competition of the weekend.
Five categories were up for grabs with the first, Local Lady of the Day, awarded to Lisa McQueen.
Hats are always an important part of race day fashion and the prize for Best Millinery went to Simone Penglase.
Aspiring Lady of the Day went to Jane Makin and Most Fashionable Racegoer to Rhiannon Chalmers.
The gents were not overlooked with Mel Thomas from Bendigo taking away the prize.
On Sunday the main event, following race four, was the Fashions on the Field.
There was an impressive line-up of both ladies and gents vying for the top distinction and the prizes.
Local boy Jack Duncan was named Gent of the Day.
Stepson of horse trainer Jane Duncan, the law and criminology student at Deakin University and came home for the weekend to be part of the race carnival.
Mr Duncan said he felt very flattered.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but thought I’d throw my hat in the ring to see how I went,” he said.
Former local Merrian Hepburn-Thomm was this year’s Fashionable Racegoer.
Now residing in Horsham she has been a long-time supporter of the Swan Hill June Carnival and thought it might be a bit of fun to join the field not expecting to win.
“It feels wonderful to win one of the categories,” Ms Hepburn-Thomm said.
Lady of the Day Kelly Cartey, hailing from Lockwood South near Bendigo, decided to go retro for the day.
Her 1950s era dress was purchased at an art deco store in Daylesford.
“The dress is beautifully made, they don’t make them like this anymore,” Ms Cartey said.
“My bag is also from the 50s, so I have gone for a very classic look today.
“This is the first time I have won Lady of the Day so it’s very surprising and very nice to win that.
“It’s always a good day here at the Swan Hill races, I’m absolutely loving it.”
