Ellerslie kicked off the start of the New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival in style.. despite the weather!
Aucklands less than summery weather did not dampen the spirits of Ellerslie's racegoers! Around 15,000 racegoers turned out to enjoy a day of high fashion, entertainment, socialising and premier thoroughbred racing.
Check out photos from the day here
Viva Fashions in the Field
Viva Fashions in the Field was relocated to the Guineas Ballroom and over 100 contestants took to the runway to compete. Judges Claire Hahn, Liam Fennell and Janetta McKay commented on the high calibre of entry, blending race wear with catwalk fashion trends.
The category winners were:
Principal’s Under 25 – Claudia Campbell
Canvas Ladies Racewear – Stacey Hantey
Hawaiian Airlines Ascot Lady – Anna Campbell
Sharp Men’s Racewear – Peter Coleman
Natalie Chan Millinery – Carena West
MORE FM Fashionable Family – The Tomlin family
The Viva Supreme Award was won by Anna Campbell.
Beach, Beats & BBQ'sDespite the challenging weather racegoers in the Infield enjoyed a relaxed day of music, plenty of entertainment for the kids in The New Zealand Herald KidsZone and a fiercely competed Beach Cricket tournament which was taken out by the Average Joes.
Key Racing ResultsHALLMARK STUD NEWMARKET HANDICAP - The Hombre
CAMBRIDGE STUD EIGHT CARAT CLASSIC 3YO GROUP ll - Fix
STELLA ARTOIS GREAT NORTHERN GUINEAS 3YO GROUP ll - Habibi
