Epsom Derby Ladies Day, Polo in the Park and the Prix de Diane Chantilly

With Spring Carnival well and truly underway in Australia and many racedays ahead, I wanted to share some images from my trip to London and Paris in June. It was my first time in Europe and it was a holiday focused on racing capturing a number of racedays in a trip just shy of three weeks.I had been told by a number of people how different racing is in England and France and not to have too high expectations of the various racedays I was attending. I was expecting quite a different scene at the track than what I was used to in Australia and I was not disappointed! Here’s a little overview of the races I attended and how they compare to Australia.First up I went to the Investec Epsom Derby Ladies Day. Of all the racedays I attended this was most similar to going to the races as I am used to in Australia. With most attendees making some effort in dressing for the occasion the results ranged from casual, tarty, over-the-top and quite stunning! There was an emphasis on the actual races with betting and drinking being the key objectives for many patrons. Lisa and I had purchased tickets to the Queens stand which is the equivalent of the members stand in Australia. Lisa and I met up with FOTF regular Kelli Odell and her mum Terri and had a great day out. There was a best dressed competition (which Lisa posted about here) and a number of women had obviously made a special effort to take part in it. I wasn’t prepared for the infield carnival where the gypsies hang out. We didn’t go over to the infield, but it looked like a lot of fun.

Next up part 2- Royal Ascot. By Angela Menz

Caulfield: Carnival Preview Day Wrap

On Saturday the Melbourne Racing held their Carnival Preview day at Caulfield. There was free entry and the sun was (mostly) shining so I headed off to the track for another day of fashion and racing. There were three heats for the Chadstone Fashion Stakes across three sections of the competition. There weren't major prizes up for grabs, but winners from the day have each won a coveted spot in the finals for their section. The host for the day was Melanie Vallejo from Winners and Losers on Channel 7 and judges for the day included Emily Power and Caulfield Style Ambassador Erika Heynatz,First up for the day was the Stylish Over 40s Ladies heat. There were a limited number of entrants, with only 10 women for this section. I speculate that more entrants are put off from coming and entering in the earlier heats because if you win a spot in the grand final you have to return in three weeks time in the exact same outfit. Numbers may have been down, but the quality of the entrants was good with a couple of women missing out that I thought had a very good chance of making the final.

By Angela Menz

Cairns Amateurs 2013 Wrap Part 2

After a very busy day at Cannon Park for Ladies Day, it was back to the hotel for a super quick makeover to get ready for the Annual Amateurs Ball. It is a black tie event that only opened up to the public a few years ago. Each year there is a special musical guest which traditionally would be unveiled during the evening. This year there was a break from tradition and Jessica Mauboy was announced as the special guest in the lead up to the event. As well this year the Amateurs Ball moved locations to be held at the Esplanade. The dance floor was built over water and the whole event was to be held entirely outdoors. It would have been perfect had the weather decided to co-operate. All day at the races the clouds were threatening to rain, but they held off... until the outdoor ball.

I had the most amazing time again in Cairns getting to experience another Amateurs Carnival. The hospitality that was extended to myself and the warm welcome that Craig and I received was so lovely and made the whole trip so enjoyable and so much fun. We were both looked after very well and I cannot thank everyone involved enough for their kindness. All the hard work paid off for another fantastic and successful Cairns Amateurs Carnival!By Angela Menz