Shunning the sales and not put off by the early rain, an estimated 15,000 people flocked to the Ellerslie course to enjoy the biggest day in the New Zealand racing calendar, the Boxing Day Races at Auckland Racing Club.
“The Boxing Day races are our biggest of the season and one of the largest social events in the country. They’re a favourite of mine, attracting everyone, from the die-hard racing enthusiasts, those here for the hospitality, to the families keen to enjoy a day out.” – Paul Wilcox, Ellerslie CEO
Also attracted to the event were the fashionistas eager to enter the Fashions In the Field competition. More than 70 entrants competed for prizes worth more than $20,000, including 100,000 Hawaiian Airlines air miles for the best-dressed male and female. Fashion TV was there to capture these moments of best dressed throughout the day, you can view our favourite looks on our Instagram.
The winners
Best dressed woman
The best-dressed woman category was won by 34-year-old Aucklander, Aleisha Mitchell. The judges loved the two-piece pantsuit she had designed and made herself, matched with a bespoke Claire Hahn headpiece with glass flowers.
“The standard of entries was incredibly high but ultimately we chose Aleisha. We loved her pantsuit, the current height of international fashion and style, but with the added racewear twist. She was the epitome of etiquette and poise and this shone through and through. The coordination of fabrics, pattern and colour was simply stunning”. – Judge Lulu Wilcox
Best-dressed man
The prize for best-dressed man was taken by Matt Anderson. The 31-year-old from Christchurch had flown up especially for the event. He wore a custom-made suit accessorised with a horseshoe pin and a Fox umbrella to ward off any showers.
New for this year was the millinery category, the prize went to Annette Potts for her Carolyn Gibson designed headpiece.
