Winner Annabel Davy (centre) first runner up Elizabeth Winlo (left) second runner up Susan McCloy (right)
Perth punters, fashionistas, racing fans and general public turned out in droves to enjoy the start of Ascot Racing Season at the Crown Perth Opening Day today.
More than 6000 people converged on Ascot for the start of the spring racing season, with the highlight yet to come with the WA Tourism sponsored TABtouch Masters Carnival kicking off on November 25.
“We couldn’t be happier with the start to a stunning day of great racing and good times at Ascot today,” said Professor John Yovich, Managing Director of Perth Racing.
“Over the last couple of years Perth Racing has had a very deliberate strategy to bring the people of Perth back to racing at Ascot. This involved showcasing excellent racing and providing a great customer experience - whether you’re a punter or a party person. When you top this off with good old fashioned hospitality, it’s a great combination for a day out,” Professor Yovich said.
Today’s opening of the season delivered that in droves, with more than 6000 Perth people – young and old – trying out the new bars like the Mumm Champagne Garden, the Pavilion Bar and of course enjoying the spring racing at beautiful and historic Ascot.
The Crown Perth Opening Day also provided an opportunity for ladies around Perth to take their chances in the Myer Fashion on the Field WA State heats. Perth Racing has been hosting Myer Fashions of the Field for a number of years and each year the heats attract more entrants.
A record number of entrants registered for the event today and took part to win the title of WA’s State finalist in the Myer Fashions on the Field National Final at Kennedy Oaks Day at Flemington, early in November.
This year’s WA winner Annabel Davy from Bicton beat out 70 other entrants for the State title, with Elizabeth Winlo from Nedlands ranking second and Susan McCloy from Kalgoorlie for third.
According to Perth Racing Ambassador Brittany Taylor, Perth’s ladies are right on trend when it comes to showcasing some extraordinary fashion and millinery.
“Perth ladies definitely compete on a world stage when it comes to fashion at the races. With the popularity of social media and the heightened influence of fashion bloggers there is a lot of inspiration around that ladies incorporate into their own style,” Taylor said.
Perth Racing’s Carnival season continues with Irish Day next Saturday, October 28 and continues into Melbourne Cup on November 7 and Champion Fillies November 18.
The Club’s jewel in the season, the TABtouch Masters kicks off from November 25 – December 9 with an interstate and international field of racing talent and more good times guaranteed.
2017 Ascot Racing Carnival Key Dates
- 28-Oct-17- Irish Day
- 07-Nov-17 - Melbourne Cup Day
- 18-Nov-17 - Champion Fillies Day
- 1-Jan-18 - TABtouch Perth Cup Day
2017 TABtouch Masters
The world's only single-track festival featuring a Group One race worth at least $1,000,000 on 3 consecutive Saturdays.
- 25-Nov-17 - James Boag’s Railway Stakes
- 2-Dec-17 - Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes
- 9-Dec-17 - Magic Millions Kingston Town Classic