There were a lot of big winners this week at the race track – and it wasn't just Michelle Payne making a bit of history.
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For the first time ever a Canberran has taken out the National Millinery Award at Oaks Day, with Cynthia Jones-Bryson winning top headwear honours.
Her winning creation featured three black and red spiked balls, stacked high on top of one another.
"It's fireworks inspired. I think it came to me New Year's Eve watching the fireworks over Sydney Harbour and I just thought wow, bang, it looks like a hat," she said.
Cynthia travelled to Melbourne on Thursday with friend and model Alice Anderson specifically for the competition – although they almost didn't make it thanks to the extreme Melbourne weather which included a tornado warning.
"It was such a crazy day getting there with the storm in Melbourne and the traffic was horrendous – I didn't even think we were gonna make it. We made it to the registration desk I think with about two minutes to spare," she said.
It was her second year travelling to Melbourne for the competition, with her entry last year landing a spot in the top 10. The duo has also had fashion success at the race track back home before, with Alice winning the Classic Ladies Racewear competition in 2014 and 2015 at Thoroughbred Park.
As well as bragging rights, as part of her prize Cynthia gets a return trip to London which she hopes to take next year.
