FASHION: Introducing the Regional Finalists Part 3

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 as well as 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…..

2021 The Ned Prix de Fashion winner, Laura Campbell

Sara Allpress

Qualified: Wellington Cup Day

Representing: Wellington Racing Club

Sara has been a grand finalist in The Ned Prix de Fashion 3 previous times, which is no mean feat. Will 2024 be Sara’s year? Here’s what she had to say….

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

The outfit I qualified in was an outfit I had put together to wear for the Melbourne Cup Carnival on Oaks Day. The dress was a wonderful vintage find that I had saved on my Etsy watchlist for a very long time and every time I scrolled through my saved list (which was very very long) it would always jump out at me. It was a beautiful yellow and white dress, with a lovely necktie in a floral pattern. The dress, while vintage, looked modern which is what I liked about it. When doing vintage I think it’s important to find the right dress to not look dated and old fashioned which ticked that box. I paired it with a custom oversized brim, Lana Wilkinson heels and a bag I already had. It is one of my favourite looks to date.

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

3 words is tough, so I thought a quote would work: “Every night is girls’ night.” — Barbie

Favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

My favourite race day memory is being able to attend the Melbourne Cup alongside my wonderful friend Lily. It was an unforgettable trip with wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. A great group of us gals went over and just had a blast together for the week. Although my feet hated me by the end!! I have created so many wonderful memories over the years of competing but making new friends is the clear winner for me. Once the days of competing are over those friendships will still be blossoming.

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

On my bucket list is the Dubai Cup, along with Magic Millions. Two of which I will hopefully get to tick off the bucket list soon.

Kirsten Morland

Qualified: Waikato Cup Day

Representing: Waikato Racing Club

Steel cap boots by day, fashion by night (well not quite….but you catch our drift). Kirsten is an Account Manager in construction and loves using racing fashion as her creative outlet, picking up a truck load of sashes along the way we might add. Here’s what Kirsten said in answer to our questions for her….

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

My girlfriends and I like to have a little fun and name our outfits.  This one was nicknamed “Peachy Queen”.  The entire outfit was based around my millinery piece, which I purchased from Monika Neuhauser for the Wellington Cup 2021.  She has also had outings to Te Rapa Races 2022 and Christchurch Cup 2023, where I competed in ‘Peachy Queen’.  She was not a winner on the day, but I loved this look so much I wore it again for Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa.  This is where I was sashed Supreme Winner and won my qualifying spot for The Ned Prix de Fashion.  For me, racing fashion has always been about the “repurpose”.  We acquire so many beautiful pieces in our collection over the years, that it would be such a shame to only wear them once.

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

Dreaming of love.

Favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

Trackside at Flemington 2005 when Makybe Diva won her third Melbourne Cup breaking a record for the most Cup wins.

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

The Kentucky Derby, it’s the longest running horse racing event in the United States and one of the oldest in the world.

Sheree Sheehan

Qualified: Invercargill Gold Cup Day

Representing: Southland Racing Club

Sheree was our final regional pre-qualifier when she wowed the judges at the Invercargill Gold Cup recently, cementing her place in the national final. This is Sheree’s first time qualifying and we’re excited to see what delights she brings to the fashion table.

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

I wore a stunning Leo Lin linen dress I fell in love with the minute I saw and the accessories I matched to the theme of Gold Cup day in Invercargill.

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

Raceday elegance with comfort and bold colour.

Favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

My son who did his first pony scurry at Ellerslie when he was 11 in his great grandfather’s silks. Then going on to his first Amateur Jockey with Te Akau Racing, whom he works for. Also a real highlight being the overall winner at Matamata on my birthday in 2019.

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

Definitely the Melbourne Cup. It’s been on my bucket list to attend before I’m 40, and being 39 now I need to get cracking.

Check out a few of Sara, Kirsten and Sheree’s 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.