Fashions at the Darwin Cup came in bright colours and zany prints
BRIGHT colours and bold fashion designs flooded Fannie Bay Racecourse as Darwin racegoers attended the biggest social day on the city’s calendar.
Northern Territory
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BRIGHT colours and bold fashion designs flooded Fannie Bay Racecourse as Darwin racegoers attended the biggest social day on the city’s calendar.
The Darwin Cup had more than 20,000 punters go through the gates, and while there was the odd brawl and arrest, Darwin Turf Club’s Carly Archer was happy with the turnout.
“We’re happy so many people have shown their support today, we have a full field,” she said.
“Most attending today have been pretty well behaved, and we’ve noticed drinking plenty of the bubbly,” she said.
Indeed they were, complete with an optional wine bag to keep bottles nice and cold that fast became the accessory of the day.
In the lead-up to Saturday Sorcerer winning the major prize, there was plenty of competition on the track.
But on the lawns it was more fierce with crazy and beautiful wares.
For the men, polka dot ensembles, floral jackets and short/suit jacket combinations were winners.
For the ladies, there was a strong showing at the Pearl Galleria Fashions on the Field.
Guest judge Anna Mott of Racing Fashion Australia, said Darwin brought a refreshing change from carnivals in the southern states.
“Melbourne doesn’t play it up much until the Spring Carnival, but here’s it’s all about the colour,” she said.
“Darwin is making a great presence with fashion ... but it’s important that any woman at the races should feel beautiful, and that’s what we look for.”
Olivia Morgan won the under 25s, Christine Spielmann over 25s and Belinda Osborne the millinery category.
Jo Moo won the over 40s and said she entered to showcase NT talent with her red and white ensemble.
“For me it’s not about winning but showing the city what we have on our doorstep,” she said.
She wore a Raw Cloth dress, Monsoon Millinery headwear and shoes from Stomp Shoes.
The men’s winner was former jockey Scott Leckey, who was all smiles seven years on from a racing accident doctors thought he would never recover from.
“I didn’t want to enter, I just bought this suit for the (Gala) ball,” he said.
“The Darwin community’s been respectful to me ... I’ve had a good day.”
Those enjoying the day that were not so concerned with Fashions on the Field — or even the races — still had plenty to entertain them in the crowd.
The day was not without a splash of celebrity, with Ernie Dingo, Rhonda Burchmore and Robert Dipierdimenico seen enjoying the warm August day.
For Sharna Kenny, visiting from Adelaide, and her friends, one brawl got too close for comfort.
“I think it was over a guy but they seemed to all be friends — one girl threw a bottle of water at the guy and then another girl just went for it,” she said.
“The next minute one had red Rekordelig all over her face — it was amazing.”
“Bouncers were doing up the shoes for one of the girls before she got taken out ... it was pretty early in the day too.”
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