Derby Day, Fashions Series competition looking for best dressed

The annual race meeting attracts thousands of people from across the central west and this year there is even more incentive to take part in the Fashions Series competition.

Throughout the year ladies and gents have been attending race meetings in Dubbo, Narromine, Coonamble and Bourke, to accumulate enough points in the series for their chance to win a diamond ring in the grand final.

Dubbo’s Derby Day is round eight of the series.

The highest 20 point scorers will then be invited to attend the Grand Final Fashions event on Melbourne Cup Day at the Dubbo Turf Club on November 6. 

One lucky lady will win a gorgeous pink tourmaline and diamond ring thanks to Whitney’s Jewellers.

Sponsor Mat Smith, from the Gift Closet said even if people didn’t enter a Fashions competition throughout the year, he urged everyone to take part at Derby Day because it is a bonus point round, so those who place first, second or third will automatically make it to the Grand Final.

Although Derby Day is less than a week away, Mr Smith said people wanting to enter have still got time to get an outfit together.

“Ladies coming to Derby Day and are looking to be successful (in the Fashion series competition) they have to base their outfit around black and white,” he said.

Because it’s such a big event there will be prominent judges at Derby Day looking for the best dressed.

“There’s so many ladies who look stunning,” Mr Smith said.

Derby Day is on Saturday, November 3 at the Dubbo Turf Club. Visit www.dubboturfclub.com.au

Registration starts at the Fashion on the Field marquee from 12 pm with judging starting around 2 pm.

Mr Smith said Derby Day will be huge for any lady who makes it into the top three.

“So there’s definitely an incentive to come along...,” he said.

“If you enter in Fashions and place in the top three, you’ll automatically be coming back on Melbourne Cup Day to try and win a diamond ring.”

There are certain guidelines competitors must abide by that will gain them a favourable advantage in the series, Mr Smith said, with some of those being wearing stocking, a hat or fascinator and gloves.

“But you’re also free to do whatever you like. You can add your colours.. and be creative,” he said.

“Ladies have managed to accumulate points at other events, so it’s an inclusive series of fashion throughout the central west,” he said.

“We’ve got ladies from Bathurst, Orange, Bourke, Narromine, Coonamble, they’ve come from everywhere. It’s been phenomenal.”

While Derby Day is certainly going to be huge, Mr Smith said he is nervous about the grand final.

“But I'm sure I’ll have plenty of anxiety on Melbourne Cup Day. It’s such a big prize and I’m sure there will be a lot of nervous ladies there and while they will all look fantastic, there can only be one winner,” he said.