My final day at the races started with sunshine but it was clear very early that the sun was only for show and Ladies Day was going to be all about the bitter chill of the wind. Oaks Day, affectionately called ‘blokes day’ because of all the boys attracted to the track by the ladies in attendance, was to be my last at Flemington but possibly my favourite because of the calibre of the fashion to be judged.
The Oaks day final and the National final were to take place, plus a millinery award – high stakes for the fashionistas. The prizes on offer were nothing short of amazing – a convertible, gift vouchers, watches, hotel stays and the honour of being the most fashionable lady in Australia – at least at the track.
While my fellow VIP door princess and I hovered inside, fearing hypothermia if we were to step out, the entrants to the competition stood in huddled packs – no such luck for them to get to wear a jacket while waiting in the wind.
I ended up standing in that bitter wind for four hours – with bare legs, exposed toes and hands so cold I could barely write someone’s name down on the list when requested. At times there were patches of purple and blue on my feet and try as I did to sort of shuffle from one foot to the other to keep the circulation going, that four hours felt much, much longer.
The winner of the Victorian final looked about 16 years old – a real Anne of Green Gables girl next door if you will – but the clever lady made her entire outfit at Uni where she studies fashion design and won a truckload of prizes for her troubles. As well as winning Oaks Day overall and going through to the National Final, our Victorian girl came 2nd overall. I couldn’t have been prouder.
The girl who did win the car and all the prizes was from Queensland and I do have to confess, I loved her ensemble the best. All the girls deserved the prize, the effort and energy that must have gone into the outfits has to be seen to be believed.
Come the end of our shift and we were ushered backstage, thrust a cup of coffee and warmed up before being sent off to enjoy the last day of hospitality. While Stakes Day will go ahead without me tomorrow, I plan on being back next year for all the excitement of the Spring Racing Carnival.
Image One: Miss O and I before our shift starts on the Fashion on the Field stage
Image Two: The Victorian finalists, winners from (L -R) Derby Day, Oaks Day and Cup Day
Image Three: The National Winner from Queensland
