Dressing up for the races has become a highly competitive event and Mosmanite Wellings is one of its star attractions. Over the past two decades she has won almost 50 titles around the country amassing more than $200,000 worth of prizes along the way.

“When I won my first Fashions on the Field at the Golden Slipper it was a $40,000 prize,” Wellings said. “It was still competitive but not as competitive as it is now.

“Everyone puts so much effort into everything which is good because a high standard is really achieved. Everyone has to keep upping the ante all the time.”

To create the perfect look she starts researching the latest fashion styles online months in advance. Using this knowledge she finds an outfit that suits her shape and accentuates her best points without being a victim to the trends. And then she combines this all with the right handbag, hat and shoes.

The attention to detail is immense and she also injects an extra bit of inspiration that elevates her above the crowd.

“I’m not a milliner or a designer but I get visions of what looks a bit edgy classic and a little bit quirky,” she said.

“That’s the biggest part of the fun doing fashion events because it’s doing that research and seeing something develop and come together as a beautiful outfit.”

This year Wellings decided to take her ideas to the world stage for the first time with her best friend in fashion Neil Carpenter.

The pair travelled to the UAE to take part in the Dubai World Cup’s Style Stakes, which attracts an international crowd. The meet itself is one of the richest horse races in the world and the fashion reflects that opulence.

Wellings wore a blue lace dress by Carla Zampatti with a specially commissioned fascinator and Carpenter wore a classic morning suit custom made by Cremorne men’s outfitters Peppers. Their look was both classic and edgy, and channelled the prestige of the event.

It was a whirlwind trip as they spent almost as much time in the air as they did on land but it was worth all the jet lag.

They beat about 40 other immaculate couples to win the best dressed pair and took home a set of prizes worth $14,000, including a new phone, clothes, jewellery, golf lessons and massage vouchers.

“Doing this on a global scene was just so fantastic,” Wellings said. “There were many fabulous well-dressed people there. It was just an amazing experience. We will remember this for all time.”

For Carpenter, it’s all a relatively new experience. He started entering Fashions on the Field when he was scouted at the races in Melbourne 18 months ago.

“And ever since then a monster has been awoken in me,” he laughed.

Carpenter has only lost two events so far and has taken home the top prizes from nine race days. He sees his role as complementing the lady and they work together to create the perfect combinations.

The pair have only known each other for a year but have created a formidable alliance on the fashion circuit.

“It’s amazing — our peers have so much admiration and respect for us in what we put together,” Wellings said.

“We have this wonderful friendship and camaraderie. I couldn’t think of anyone more so to complement me with clothing as Neil because he’s my style of guy.”

Taking part in Fashions on the Field can be a very expensive hobby as the designers don’t provide the clothes for free. But for Wellings it has become rather addictive.

There is a certain thrill in putting her creativity to work to design a beautiful outfit and she also loves the friendships she has made at the race tracks.

“We love it. It is an expression of your personality,” she said.

“It’s wonderful and it can be challenging. I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing it.”