Fashion the big racing winner

Amanda Walter, of Gulmarrad, Nicole Keary, of the Gold Coast, and Zoie Nott, of James Creek.

Daily Examiner

Photos

Ladies Day at Grafton's July Carnival

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BLUE sky and sunshine, high heels and hats.

Fashion was to the fore at the Grafton races yesterday on Ladies Day.

'Elegance' was the key to the judges hearts as the entrants paraded in the first of several fashion events to be held over the week. Always acknowledged as a big part of racing, Fashions on the Field this year was a mix of new and vintage, bought and hand- made, with a mother and daughter taking out Lady of the Carnival and the Millinery awards.

More than 5000 people filed through the Grafton racecource gates for the South Grafton Cup meeting. Veteran race-goers and young families rubbed shoulders trackside.

“Everyone should be on a race track on a day like today,” were the words of bookie Jeff Conroy.

As for the fortunes of the punters it was a day when the bookies came out smiling. Unlike last Thursday's opening meeting, some big plunges went astray. Not one favourite saluted on the eight-race card.