A three-carat, hand-made black opal pendant forms a stylish part of the trophy for the winner of the Black Opal Stakes on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The gem from opal central, Lightning Ridge in NSW, will be presented with a separate trophy in a combined haul worth about $6500.
The pendant was modelled by this year's Face of Canberra Racing, Kate Goodwin in the outfit she plans to wear for Sunday's big race day. Her Basque suit is from Myer and her hat is from Canberra milliner Biretta & Busby.
The 19-year-old was thrilled to have the black opal around her neck. ''It's really quite a privilege,'' she said.
Fashion is always a major feature of Canberra's biggest race day at Thoroughbred Park and entrants looking to impress judge and designer Jayson Brunsdon, in the Myer Fashions on the Field should keep it classy rather than car-crash trashy.
''I remember seeing a girl at the Melbourne Cup wearing a clear-plastic mini-skirt with fluoro lime-green undies. And she was carrying her shoes, which made it all that much more special,'' he recalled.
The Myer ambassador Laura Dundovic will be a judge, too.
With a temperature forecast of 30 degrees for Sunday, fashionistas might not have to dress in too many layers.
''What really gets me is when people don't dress for the weather,'' Dundovic said.
''I've been to some race days when it is freezing cold and you see girls in little skirts and you think, 'Oh you poor thing.' As well as that, it is important to make sure it's not the first time you've worn your shoes. There's nothing worse than to see people trudge out barefoot.''
Brunsdon said the trends for autumn racewear were more ''muted and toned down'' than for summer.
''There's a black leather look that isn't rock and roll, it's more lady-like and chic. It has to do with peplums and frills and stretches to the knee which is a great look for the races,'' the designer said.
''There's a lot of florals going on in reds and pinks, and quite often they are mixed with lace in the same dress.
He said peplums were still popular.
''They're great for the races.''
In the great hats versus fascinators debate, Brunsdon is definitely a hats admirer.
''I think fascinators have run their course,'' he said.
Gloves, sunglasses and a small, classic bag complete the look.
For men, it's ''definitely suit and tie''. ''Hats can be fun for men. I think a good shoe is always important and pocket hankies are always a nice accessory,'' he said.
Brunsdon said he was looking for ''classic with a twist'' in the fashion stakes. ''That keeps it modern and keeps it individual. A bit wacky is fun, as long as you don't look ridiculous.''
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled has been chosen by the Kamberra Wine Company as the official charity for the day. Patrons will be encouraged to make a donation. Gates open at 11.30am and racing starts at 1pm.