Fashionistas saddened by the news that no spectators will be allowed at the upcoming Wellington Boot are being encouraged not to pack away their dresses or fascinators just yet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On March 16, Racing NSW announced that thoroughbred race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork will not be open to the public, due to the federal government banning public gatherings of up to 500 people as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
To ensure people can still have fun and be involved with the Boot in some way, Thoroughbred Events Australia and Wellington Race Club NSW have partnered to host an online Fashions on the Field competition.
The competition will have people uploading photos of themselves in their racing attire, with the winners to be announced by two expert judges.
There will be seven categories for people to enter into, including the popular Best Dressed Stallion, Best Dressed Filly and Best Dressed Woman.
People are still encouraged to keep with the theme this year, as there will be a Fashions open category for Best Dressed Themed Touch of Green.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: Art and racing to collide thanks to a unique Wellington competition
Competition organiser, Sharon Lenton from Thoroughbred Events Australia was contacted by the Wellington Race Club after it was announced that no spectators would be allowed at the race meeting.
She immediately jumped at the opportunity to hold the online Fashions on the Field.
"I'm very fond of Wellington and I've been going (to the Boot racing carnival) for about five years," Ms Lenton said.
She wants all girls who have never experienced a Fashions on the Field to still enter into the online competition.
"This will not be daunting because you're not going to have to be on stage. I will fix up the photos, just send them and have a go," Ms Lenton said.
"Let's try and keep the Wellington Boot racing carnival alive."
ALSO MAKING NEWS: Dubbo Regional Council shutting library, pools, Wellington caves
While many Fashions on the Field competitions are serious matters for all involved, the organisers know just how devastating it is to have no spectators at the popular Wellington Boot racing carnival that will celebrate 40 years in 2020.
So they encourage those entering to have fun and for competitors to enter in good faith.
Those wishing to enter the online competition will need to email their photos by 12pm April 4.
Once photos are uploaded, judges Michelle Myers and Racael Toohey will commence selecting the finalists and winners will be announced April 5.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: Greyhound NSW announces some racing tracks will remain open