Vancouver may have been an easy bet to win at the Golden Slipper on Saturday, but race day fashions proved less predictable thanks to the edgy influence of Nicole Richie.
The reality star and authoress judged the MYER Fashions on the Field in her capacity as ambassador at the Tooheys New Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens.
Addressing the crowd, Richie said she was looking for the ‘‘spirit of the outfit’’ when judging.
‘‘I’m looking for people who are using fashion as a form of self-expression,’’ she said.
As the ladies stood toe-to-toe on stage awaiting the final verdict they were told warm tones, closed toed shoes, felt hats and ‘‘conservative’’ hem-lines were essential in autumn.
The same went for the men an hour later — socks with your shoes, a hat and a walking cane got them bonus points as they were appraised by male ambassador Chris Smith.
Richie cut a diminutive and stylish figure in a dress by Balmain, pink hair and jewellery from her own label, House of Harlow 1960.
The pool of potential winners in the ladies round was made up by crafty fashionistas, including one entrant who made her own bustle because she had heard "the bum was in".
Asked by the judges what inspired them, many said they loved making their own clothes or that millinery was their hobby of choice.
Kemps Creek resident and mother of two Regina Thei was awarded the winning sash for her simple, elegant ensemble.
Perhaps inspired by the weather, she had chosen a grey dress from Asos to go with her Steve Madden shoes and Circa Vintage black hat.
‘‘It was just the outfit I felt like wearing on the day,’’ Ms Thei said.
‘‘Normally I prefer a little colour but today I thought, maybe a bit of bling, a bit of lace.
‘‘I wanted to wear something that was in with the trends but also a bit different.’’
Thei — who walked away with close to $20,000 worth of prizes — is no stranger to race-day fashion events.
‘‘I’ve done it a couple of other times, my sister and I really like to dress up for the races,’’ she said.
‘‘I just think fashion is something to be celebrated.’’
Ms Thei said she would ‘‘soak up with the win, maybe pick up a few horses,’’ to celebrate.
Favourite to win, Vancouver, trained by Gai Waterhouse, rode to victory guided by jockey Tommy Berry in the Golden Slipper, which has a prize pool of $3.5 million.
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