They're young, hip and fashionable – and they all love horse racing.
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Thoroughbred Park has unveiled its 2016 Racing Ambassadors who will fly the flag for Canberra Racing in the lead-up to the spring racing events and then the Black Opal Stakes in autumn.
The four ambassadors are public servant and model Marissa Briedenhann, navy officer and horse owner Phil Bywaters, Mix 106.3 breakfast presenter Kristen Henry and last year's Face of Canberra Racing Kate Speldewinde, a local model, dancer and physiotherapist.
They were chosen not only for their obvious photogenic qualities and fashionable tastes but also for their genuine love of racing in the national capital.
Mr Bywaters, 31, is a navy officer working out of Brindabella Park in personnel management. He started off as "your average punter" but graduated to becoming a member of courses in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne and a part-owner in two horses, Storm Siren and Speed Hero.
Storm Siren had its first win in Canberra and that was "a great thrill".
And Mr Bywaters is also a past winner of fashions on the field.
He advises the guys to pay attention to details.
"A well-pressed suit, clean haircut, a nice watch, polished shoes," he said.
Henry said a day at the races summed up everything she loved about "the greatest city in the world, Canberra".
"It's about fashion, it's about style, it's about sophistication. I feel you can't go around the corner without seeing someone you know," she said.
"It's fun and a nice glass of bubbles just adds to it."
A long-time judge of fashions on the field, Henry says it's becoming "harder and harder" to determine a winner.
"Especially with the work of our beautiful, emerging designers," she said.
Henry has a tip for potential entrants.
"It's all about your headwear," she said. "I know people say it's about the dress but it's about what you have on your head. Make it a showstopper, make it different, make it fabulous and it will do the talking for you."
Ms Briedenhann, 24, is relishing being a "proud Canberran" after she moved from South Africa six years ago and became an Australian citizen two years ago. She is also getting married in Canberra in two weeks.
Her family moved to Australia to escape the crime of South Africa, where she was the victim of both a carjacking and a separate bank robbery. She was in the bank "as they were running in with AK-47s and shooting".
"We're very lucky to be here, we're proud Australians," she said.
Her first experience of racing was at Thoroughbred Park and she was quickly hooked on the buzz of the day and the chance to dress up.
"Big fascinators, over-the-top makeup, a nice dress and heels – everything appeals to me," she said.
Ms Speldewinde is back for more after her turn as the Face of Canberra Racing.
The 27-year-old said she was excited to be appointed an ambassador.
"I love the glitz and glamour. There's no such thing as too much," she said.
She says style tips this spring racing carnival will be for high headpieces and pastels.
"For me, bigger is better with the headpieces," she said.
