The 2017 City of Port Augusta Cup was treated to a beautiful day with the sun shining all day, and thousands turning out for the day's racing action. The Cup was taken out by Soaring High, ridden by stable jockey Clare Lindop, to make for an exciting day of racing, entertainment, and plenty of trackside hospitality.
Fashion At The Races competition was taken out by physiotherapist and Port Pirie local Nicole Afford.
Nicole's winning outfit featured a beautiful patterened dress by Mary.Yan&Yu, a fur cape from Forever New, Zu shoes, and a structural headpiece by Millinery by Mel.
Nicole is now in the running for the State Final in September - there's just 2 events left, with the Roxby Downs Cup on August 5, and the Quorn Cup on September 2. We spoke to Nicole to find out more!
What brought you to The Races today?
I knew friends were attending, I enjoy the atmosphere and I like spying on the thoroughbreds in the mounting yard. I had purchased the dress with intentions of wearing it in a fashions on the field event and decided to wear it to the Port Augusta Cup.
Have you entered Fashions on the Field events before in SA?
I have competed in fashions events celebrating off the track thoroughbreds (on these occasions we wear fashions on the fields outfits while leading a racehorse that has retired and become a show horse). Port Augusta was my first time competing in a Fashions event at the races.
Describe your style...
Day to day it's very casual but when given the chance to dress up I like to find 1-2 statement pieces that are a little quirky or unusual and then team these up with more traditional elegance. I loved the print of this MARY.YAN&YU dress and then created the outfit around this.
Who's your favourite designer at the moment?
I loved working with Mel (Millinery by Mel) to create my fascinator and look forward to working with her again in the future.
What item of clothing could you not live without?
Heels!
What do you love about The Races?
The fashions, the horses and a day out with good company!
