Spring Racing

Fashions on the Field

2026 Ladies Day Races

Theme: Spring Elegance

Timeless Raceday style inspired by the beauty of spring. Think flowy silhouettes, floral inspired millinery, and light colours such as blush pinks, soft lilacs, and pastel blues. Delicate floral prints or subtle patterns are also lovely options.

Fashions on the Field Guidelines

Fashion on the Field competitions are a popular part of local race meetings, and are an excellent way of showcasing a race goer’s style and flair.

While entering Fashions of the Field is becoming increasingly popular with race goers, there are a few guidelines generally followed by judges that contenders should take into account when composing their outfit.

The key to a successful outfit is appropriateness; it must fall squarely in the category of race wear as well as suiting the season.

The term “race wear” incorporates classic, elegant styles – avoid anything tight, revealing, strapless or midriff baring. Do however consider trouser or a jumpsuit, but the same rules apply for length – not shorts. Also keep in mind that races are a daytime event, so be wary of material and shapes that spell out evening, like sequins or high shine materials.

Judges

Suitably qualified judge/s will be selected to judge the Fashions on the Field.

Judges selected are independent from the Richmond Turf Club and may not reside in Richmond.

The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

General Hints

  • When selecting the style of your outfit, check for an appropriate length, not more than a few inches above the knee.
  • In order to successfully coordinate your outfit it is best to start with a colour theme, this will ensure that your hat, bag, headpiece and other accessories complement each other.
  • Popular winning Spring colour schemes include prints, florals and bright colours particularly reds, pinks and purples. All black is generally considered too somber for the race wear category.
  • A hat or headwear should always be worn by women entering Fashions of the Field. Spring options include pillbox styles, fascinators, boaters and large brimmed hats, headwear does not need to be a huge statement piece, it should be tasteful and coordinate with your colour scheme.
  • Your bag or clutch should again not be oversized, both size and colour should complement rather than obscure your outfit. Lace or light fabric gloves are appropriate for Spring.
  • Jewellery should be chosen to balance your outfit, rather than overpower it. Small stud style earrings are considered the best choice when wearing a hat or headpiece.
  • Grooming is essential, hair should be clean and styled to complement your head wear, bearing in mind it can be more difficult to fix a fascinator in freshly washed hair. The best way to ensure that your hair works with your outfit is to have your hairdresser style your hair and fit your headpiece.
  • Make up should be suitable for day, it is best to avoid very dark lipsticks and heavy eye makeup.

Categories

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Lady of the Day

Winner sponsored by: 

Runner Up sponsored by:

  • Outfit should be appropriate for the season and the weather on the day ie spring races
  • Attention to detail with accessories, shoes, bag and millinery
  • Headwear is essential ie winter millinery (felt or wool)
  • Grooming and deportment
  • Strictly no bare mid-riffs or spring style millinery
  • Gloves

Gentleman of the Day

Winner sponsored by: 

Runner Up sponsored by:

  • Should display an understanding of male race wear with appropriateness for the season and the weather on the day ie spring races
  • The outfit should be individualised with accessories such as a hat, lapel flower, cufflinks or pocket handkerchief
  • Jackets, waistcoats and ties in line with current fashion trends are encouraged

Couple of the Day

Winner sponsored by: 

Runner Up sponsored by:

  • Should be individually outstanding and make a coordinated pair
  • Men’s outfits should include suit or jacket and tie
  • Women’s must include headwear and complimentary seasonally suitable accessories
  • Both outfits should reflect current fashion trends and be suitable for the season and weather on the day ie spring races

Millinery Masterpiece

Winner sponsored by: 

Runner Up sponsored by:

  • Should make a clear fashion statement yet fully compliment the outfit
  • Style and design should demonstrate originality and be appropriate for the season
  • Headwear should be individualised with original detail

Young Lady of the Day

Winner sponsored by: 

Runner Up sponsored by:

  • Ages 13 to 17
  • Outfit should be appropriate for the season and the weather on the day ie spring races
  • Attention to detail with accessories, shoes, bag and millinery
  • Headwear is essential ie winter millinery (felt or wool)
  • Grooming and deportment
  • Strictly no bare mid-riffs or spring style millinery
  • Gloves

Young Gentleman of the Day

Winner sponsored by: 

Runner Up sponsored by:

  • Ages 13 to 17
  • Should display an understanding of male race wear with appropriateness for the season and the weather on the day ie spring races
  • The outfit should be individualised with accessories such as a hat, lapel flower, cufflinks or pocket handkerchief
  • Jackets, waistcoats and ties in line with current fashion trends are encouraged

Little Lady & Little Gent

Winner sponsored by: 

  • Ages 5 to 12
  • Style and originality of outfit
  • The appropriateness of the outfit for the spring races
  • Attention to detail with accessories, shoes, bag and millinery
  • Spring millinery/headwear
  • Grooming and deportment
  • Fun attitude

Little Miss & Little Master

Winner sponsored by: 

  • Ages 0 to 4
  • Style and originality of outfit
  • The appropriateness of the outfit for the spring races
  • Attention to detail with accessories, shoes, bag and millinery
  • Spring millinery/headwear
  • Grooming and deportment
  • Fun attitude

How to Enter

Entrants are required to register across preferred categories at the Fashions on the Field tent on the day prior to the first race at 1.30pm. The judge/s will select finalists from entrants in attendance on the day in person.

It will take you only minutes to enter the competition allowing freedom to enjoy the trackside festivities, premium hospitality and excitement of country racing.

Announcements will be made for entrants to showcase their outfits in front of spectators after the 2nd race. Winning entrants will then be announced, sashed and awarded their prizes once each category has been judged.

Winning entrants will be photographed immediately proceeding the sashing ceremony.

Entry guidelines

  • Entrants are required to register across preferred categories at the Fashions on the Field tent on the day. Nominations will open at 12pm. Nominations for Children’s categories will close at 1:00pm, nominations for Adult categories will close at 1:30pm on the day of event.
  • Entrants may self-nominate across several categories providing they fit the criteria.
  • If the outfit criteria are not met, your entry will be disqualified.
  • Children’s judging and sashing ceremony will take place after the first race. Adults judging and sashing ceremony will take place after the second and third races. Times will be announced on the day.
  • Entrants must check in at the fashions tent 10 minutes prior to judging to be given their entry number.

**You may be filmed/photographed and footage or images may be used, replicated, reproduced and published by the Richmond Turf Club for any use including but not limited to marketing and promotional use. By entering the Fashions on the Field Competition you consent to being filmed/photographed**

Winter Racing

Spring Racing