Heads turned to a glittering event in between the flowing champagne, punting, and horses like Lady Godiva at Sunday’s Nelson Harness Racing Club meeting at Richmond.
Fashions in the Field was in gallops with young and old dressed to the nines, and for those who placed, there was nothing to be sulky about.
Lanise Price jumped away well with the best millinery sash for her “standout” headpiece, then came best-suited runner-up Jono Leach and his runner-up best-dressed mother-in-law Julie Penman stride for stride.
Jono enjoys the races with his young whānau, and adds Julie and his wife are dab hands in design and fashion.
He admits “a lack of babysitting” could ensue if he didn’t suit up, and his seventh year Fashions in the Field fit was plaid black pants with a sand jacket and purple blends to match.
For her tenth year, Julie’s opshop-purchased frock, shoes, handbag, the whole shebang was by a length, and in her fourth year, Lanise’s peach-toned suit was picked up from Farmers and winning millinery online.
Julie vowed to set a hot pace to place a bet on horses “with pretty names” after her Waimea Weekly interview, and Jono and Lanise thanked sponsors and the organisers for the “supportive environment” Fashions in the Field presents. The trio will return to the trackside runway in 2027.
