Alexander McQueen, Louboutin, lead the competition at the Bendigo Cup

A voluminous Alexander McQueen dress dazzled judges at the Bendigo Cup Fashions on the Field. But was it your favourite? Have your say.

Christina Croxford, of Sunbury, the winner of the Bendigo Cup fashions on the field Most Elegant Lady of the day category.

An Alexander McQueen dress with a full voluminous skirt, paired with a feathered hat and Louboutin shoes won the major prize at the Bendigo Cup fashions on the field competition on Wednesday.

Greenvale entrant Emma Scodellaro said she fell in love with the gown after spotting it in a catalogue as part of the design house’s Anemones collection.

She said a special savings plan was put in place to secure the dress and shoes and it paid dividends yesterday when she won the Best Dressed Lady of the Day sash and prizes.

The fashion competition was held under grey skies, but the rain held off all day to allow hats and hairstyles to stay in place.

Fashions judge Kelly Carty said strong use of colour and attention to detail had very important to the judging panel.

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“They have all done a really good job and it’s very impressive to see,” she said.

The ensembles in the competition ranged from borrowed numbers from friends and family to op-shop finds and internet buys that were tailored and hand finished at home.

GALLERY: All the photos from the Bendigo Cup

Winner of the Best Dressed Local Lady of the Day sash, Ashlea Mason took the first prize wearing a dress that belonged to runner up Johanna Sabaliauskas.

Ms Sabaliauskas wore an orange ensemble.

Lady of the Day winner Emma Scodellaro of Greenvale, wearing Alexander McQueen with Fashions on the Field presenter Bree Laughlin at the Bendigo Cup 2022. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

The judging panel was filled with award-winning trainers and fashions on the field victors from previous years.

They were Natalie Young, Clare Casey, Kelly Carty and Shelley Howie. The competition was hosted by MC Bree Laughlin.

Earlier:

Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup is expected to attract a stellar line up of Fashions on the Field entrants, each vying for a slice of one of the richest prize pools in regional Victorian racing.

After a three-year hiatus, the Bendigo Marketplace-sponsored competition is expected to be especially head turning.

Bendigo Jockey Club commercial manager Sue Opi, said registrations would be open from 10.30am to 12.30pm on the day.

“I know there is a big cohort of women and men who have been waiting for this and who are really looking forward to it,” she said.

“I expect to see a lot of colour, and well co-ordinated outfits and accessories. The creativity is a big part of the fun of the fashions on the field competition and it’s something we would certainly encourage.”

Prizes include jewellery, holiday accommodation, beauty spa vouchers and more. There are five categories to enter.

The racecourse is wet and Ms Opie said sensible footwear would be a wise choice.

The Bendigo Cup will offer a full nine race card, with nine horse races to be run.

The prize for winning the Cup will be $500,000 and the combined prize pool for the day will be worth a total $975,000.

From Thursday, check back here for photos from the day and vote on who you think was the best dressed.