FASHION: Introducing the Regional Finalists Part 2

We are only one day away from The Ned Prix de Fashion regional final where our nine pre-qualifiers from around the country will take to the stage alongside our four winners of the Godavari Diamonds Fashion Qualifiers to compete for the title of New Zealand’s best dressed racegoer for 2024 and the $20,000+ winner-takes-all prize package courtesy of The Ned and Victoria Racing Club (VRC).

Before these nine very fashionable fillies walk the runway on Trackside Derby Day we wanted to put a few questions to them to find out a bit more about what got them here and what’s in store. Read on for more…..

2022 The Ned Prix de Fashion winner, Eleanor Campbell

Gabrielle Cashmore

Qualified: New Zealand Cup Day

Representing: Canterbury Jockey Club

Gabrielle wowed the judges in Christchurch against some very tough competition to qualify for The Ned Prix de Fashion regional final to which she is no stranger having now qualified for the event three times. Is 2024 her year?  We’ll find out in one more sleep. Here’s what Gabrielle had to say…

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

The outfit that I qualified in was electric blue with a longer section at the shoulder that flew in the breeze.  It was paired with a green and blue textured head piece. I wore blue shoes and carried a green clutch. I had to do a last-minute change of shoes, and thanks to an incredible friend I managed to get the last pair in the country that perfectly matched my dress.

In 3 words describe your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion?

Elegant, timeless and chic (I hope!).

What’s your favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

Any day at the races with wonderful friends is always amazing fun. Winning Riccarton in 2023 was really special as I was able to share the day with my pals who had travelled from all over the country and then facetime my mum to share the news.  She is always so supportive and loves being part of the whole process of putting an outfit together.

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be and why?

I couldn’t choose just one but I am hoping to one day attend Melbourne Cup Day,  Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby.  All are on my dream list, they all look like fantastic fun and once in a lifetime experiences.

Ceri McVinnie

Qualified: Livamol Classic Raceday

Representing: Hawke’s Bay Racing Club

Not many ladies can say they’ve competed (let alone won) in an outfit they’ve made from scratch but Ceri has done this time and again and you’ll often find her other half Sam in a matching fit too. This talented lady will be gracing the stage on Trackside Derby Day.  Here’s what Ceri had to say to our few questions…

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

I made the dress and millinery myself and originally wore it to the Dubai World Cup in March last year. I’m so proud of the dress as I designed it myself –  I actually made a version in cheaper fabric first to make sure it was going to work how I wanted! I couldn’t have made it without my mum, who spent hours hand-stitching the hem, collar and zip for me.  The final outfit came together better than I could have  hoped.

In 3 words describe your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion?

Elegant, classic and chic.

What’s your favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

So many! Winning my first fashion on the field event at the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes was pretty special. I was wearing a vintage Laura Ashley dress of my mums and had borrowed a pearl necklace from her for the day. Ironically, the prize was a pearl necklace almost identical to the one mum had loaned me. Since then, I’ve had so many amazing memories and have made an incredible group of raceday fashion friends. It’s such a lovely community to be a part of.

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be and why? 

Royal Ascot is definitely on my bucket list. Ascot Racecourse is one of the oldest and most iconic tracks in racing and would definitely be an incredible experience to attend.

Nicola May

Qualified: Boxing Day Races

Representing: Pukekohe Park/ATR

Hot off her top 16 success at Flemington on Oaks Day in Melbourne, Nicola took out the Best Dressed Classic Womenswear sash on Boxing Day at Pukekohe Park and is headed straight to The Ned Prix de Fashion regional final once more. Here’s what Nicola had to say…

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

I wanted soft tones for my outfit and found a top and dress that matched perfectly together. My millinery I had custom made by Claire Hahn in complementary blue shades. My outfit came together with satin heels, pearl drop earrings and my ombré glass handbag.

In 3 words describe your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion?

Colourful, classic and playful.

What’s your favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

I was in the top 16 at Oaks Day in Melbourne in 2023. There were 10 of us competing during the Melbourne Cup Carnival from NZ which was so fun and such an amazing experience to have together since some of us met through competing at fashion in the field events in NZ.

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be and why? 

I have two, Royal Ascot Ladies Day, the fashion would be incredible to see and the Kentucky Derby would be an iconic event to be part of.

Check out a few of Gabby, Ceri and Nicola’s previous raceday looks below…

Trackside Derby Day is happening this Saturday 2 March at Ellerslie. The Godavari Diamonds Fashion Qualifiers are your last chance to qualify for The Ned Prix de Fashion regional final which will take place later the same day. For more information about Trackside Derby Day and ticket options click here.