Large field follows

By Paul Dunlop
FABULOUS fashions turned Oaks Day at Pakenham into a carnival of colour.
Brilliant sunshine meant racegoers could dress with confidence – and dress up they did, with almost the entire 3400strong crowd turning out in their spring best.
Judges in the Fashions on the Field competition were thrilled with the response, with more than 150 entrants showing off their finery on the catwalk.
It wasn’t just the girls either, with more than a dozen men taking part in the inaugural gentleman’s section.
Narre Warren North resident Suzie Peatling was thrilled to win the judges’ nod in her eyecatching polka dot outfit.
Suzie said her dress was rescued from a cupboard after it was originally worn by her mother 20 years ago.
“I feel like Pretty Woman,” she said.
Pakenham mumtobe Marie HansenNooy was a favourite with the crowd, finishing runnerup in a beautiful outfit that perfectly complemented her 20weekspregnant figure.
Elissa Marie, another local resident, finished third to cap off a memorable day.
Elis Crewes made her own handbag the day before race day and also created the stunning red and black headpiece that matched her outfit and was voted best hat.
Men’s winner Paul Smith of Traralgon was inspired by the fashionloving men he saw during a recent trip to Italy in choosing the light orange chequered shirt, orange and white tie and grey pinstripe suit that made him the judges’ choice.
Tan snakeskin shoes completed the outfit.
Paul said he was tipped into the contest by his wife, Kylie.
Pakenham Racing Club assistant racing manager Michelle Tones said the success of the Fashions of the Field contest was one of the highlights of the day.
“It was great to see so many people dressed up,” she said.