Wodonga Gold Cup’s attendance has increased hugely since it was declared a public holiday three years ago.
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Fashions on the Field coordinator Sarah Crothers said the fashion competition and general admission had increased year on year since the public holiday began in 2014.
“It’s massive,” she said.
“You look at fashions and general entry and a few years prior to the public holiday there was barely 1000 people getting here and that was up to about 7000 last year.”
Mrs Crothers said the widening of the day’s entertainment such as Eskimo Joe performing after the races finish today had helped cement the day in the Border’s social calendar.
“It brings people in who might not necessarily like racing but the whole day provides a great opportunity for fun,” she said.
This year the Wodonga Cup Fashions on the Field will be judged by Sarsha Cassidy, the daughter of Jim Cassidy and a make-up ambassador, and Caroline Groth, an instagram ‘superstar’ and local Myer representative.
In this year’s fashions, Mrs Crothers was expecting to see lots of colour, texture and bell sleeves reminiscent of the 60s and 70s.
Mrs Crothers is expecting many variations on the recent flower-crown trend including necklaces as headwear.
She said lady-like clothing was key and fashion paying tribute to the long history of racewear.
“It’s a great opportunity to have a bit of fun and put your own perspective on fashion,” she said.
“In day-to-day life you don’t often have the opportunity to be fully involved in fashion and wear all one colour or extravagant make-up during the day.
“Racing fashion has such a great history behind it which we want to keep going.”
Registration is open from 11.30am to 2pm, with a 2.15pm start.
The Fashions on the Field will run in four categories: Lady of the Day, Millinery of the Day, Gentleman of the day and the Secret Crowd Choice.
Tilly Morris, 17 – wearing a Asilio dress from Lookbook, Fashion Fingers make-up, hair by Boudior Hair and Rebecca Louise Millinery from Kit & Nora – said the cup was a great day for fashion (and watching horses).