Toowoomba Weetwood 2021: Fashions on the Field winner Renee Zorko

The winner of the Fashions on the Field women's race wear won with a sensational dress she made herself – but there’s a heartwarming story behind the dress too.

FROM the time she was just five, the Gold Coast’s Renee Zorko has been attending race meets with her family.

It’s now a legacy she has passed onto her children.

But one staple in every race day is the Fashions on the Field, and Ms Zorko stunned crowds at Weetwood with a homemade dress, with a very special meaning behind it.

Ms Zorko (pictured) won the Best Dressed Women’s Racewear at Weetwood on Sunday with a beautiful aqua dress she made herself.

Renee Zorko named best dressed women's race wear. Weetwood day at Clifford Park racecourse. Saturday, September 25, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“I found the fabric probably about four months ago and it was perfect for spring,” she said.

“It was a fresh take – you see a lot of pinks and pastels but I loved the aqua.

“It was inspired by my ex-mother-in-law who passed away last year. She was a lady who was always so well-executed and accessorised.

“Aqua blue was her go-to colour.”

The dress was paired with a headpiece from Kathryn Lee Millinery based in Sydney, and was a stunning metallic piece which complimented the vibrant colours on her dress.

Ms Zorko said it was a tough competition going against the women in her category thanks to the high calibre entries.

“I think that’s what upped my nerves because there were some beautiful outfits,” she said.

“When I walked in I was quite overwhelmed. I wouldn’t have wanted to be a judge that day, that’s for sure.”

Gordon Cooper won the corresponding category for the men’s race wear.

Originally published as Toowoomba Weetwood 2021: Fashions on the Field winner Renee Zorko