Revealed: Big changes for July Carnival fashions

It’s time for Grafton to look its most fabulous, and you can find out here what’s on offer for those wanting to be top of the fashion tree as well as regulations for this Sunday

Lauretta Lewis stands high above the parade ring on South Grafton Cup Day after being named the Lady of the Carnival in the Fashions on the Field competition.

South Grafton Cup Day is the highlight of the racing fashion day for the July Racing Carnival, however recent COVID-19 restrictions have made big changs.

Clarence River Jockey Club CEO Michael Beattie has confirmed that the usual fashion stakes will not be held this year, citing the difficulties in social distancing.

“It certainly doesn’t preclude anyone from getting dressed up,” he said.

To fill the void, The Daily Examiner has compiled four mega-galleries of photos to remind you of what was in fashion for the last two years it was held, 2019 and 2018.

Click the links below to scroll through more than 200 photos of those looking at their finest for the races.

2019 July Racing Carnival Fashions Part 1

2019 July Racing Carnival Fashions Part 2

Grafton Cup Fashions on the Field Millinery entrant

2018 July Racing Carnival Fashions Part 1

2018 July Racing Carnival Fashions Part 2

For those still keen for some competition, like many things in this Covid-hit world, there’s an option online for the real fashionistas.

Grafton Shoppingworld is running an online fashions on the field through its Instagram and Facebook page with prizes available for both best dressed woman and man.

The outfit must contain items purchased from Shoppingworld, and to enter, upload a photo taken at the July Racing Carnival (27th June 2021 – 11 July 2021) to their Instagram or Facebook page and tag Grafton Shoppingworld and the retailers where you purchased your outfit, accessories, hair or beauty.

The prizes for the women include:

• Red Hot Hair Platinum GHD hair straightener
• Serenity Skin Ecoya 4 wick candle
• Noni B $100 gift voucher
• Elm Lifestyle $100 gift voucher
• Jacqui's Shoe Boutique $100 gift voucher

The mens prizes include:

Red Hot Hair Nak hair and beard kit, men‘s shampoo and cut

CONNOR $150 gift voucher

1851 Espresso Bar & Cafe free medium coffee voucher

Surf Dive 'n Ski $100 gift voucher

Mr Beattie said that restrictions for South Grafton Cup Day would be the same as for Westlawn Day, with the members stand not available, and masks to be worn. Masks would be available for people entering at either entrance.

“Hopefully we will get a review prior to Maclean Cup Day which is after the Sydney restrictions end,” he said.

Mr Beattie said considering the short notice of restrictions, he was happy with near-thousand strong crowd that attended and was hoping for a big response this Sunday.

“We’re really looking forward to it, and we’re really happy. The fields are great and the racing of the carnival is going well,” he said.