Epsom Derby Ladies Day, Polo in the Park and the Prix de Diane Chantilly

With Spring Carnival well and truly underway in Australia and many racedays ahead, I wanted to share some images from my trip to London and Paris in June. It was my first time in Europe and it was a holiday focused on racing capturing a number of racedays in a trip just shy of three weeks.I had been told by a number of people how different racing is in England and France and not to have too high expectations of the various racedays I was attending. I was expecting quite a different scene at the track than what I was used to in Australia and I was not disappointed! Here’s a little overview of the races I attended and how they compare to Australia.First up I went to the Investec Epsom Derby Ladies Day. Of all the racedays I attended this was most similar to going to the races as I am used to in Australia. With most attendees making some effort in dressing for the occasion the results ranged from casual, tarty, over-the-top and quite stunning! There was an emphasis on the actual races with betting and drinking being the key objectives for many patrons. Lisa and I had purchased tickets to the Queens stand which is the equivalent of the members stand in Australia. Lisa and I met up with FOTF regular Kelli Odell and her mum Terri and had a great day out. There was a best dressed competition (which Lisa posted about here) and a number of women had obviously made a special effort to take part in it. I wasn’t prepared for the infield carnival where the gypsies hang out. We didn’t go over to the infield, but it looked like a lot of fun.

Next up part 2- Royal Ascot. By Angela Menz

L'Ormarins Best Dressed at Glorious Goodwood - EVENT

To celebrate a new racing partnership with wine label L'Ormarins, the prestigious Glorious Goodwood festival has introduced a best dressed competition for the first time, to take place on Friday, August 1.The judges will be specifically scouting for the best dressed lady in L'Ormarins' signature colours of blue and white, which are donned by nearly all attendees at Cape Town's premier race meeting, the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate. The winning ensemble will undoubtedly "echo the magnificence of the racing at Goodwood", and a stunning hat is necessary to be in with a chance of victory.The lady who best embodies the class and elegance of L'Ormarins and Glorious Goodwood will be rewarded with an incredible trip to Cape Town for the running of the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate in January 2015, including flights, accommodation and a private wine tasting at L'Ormarins.So start searching for your best blue and white ensembles, and plan your trip to Glorious Goodwood now.Where: Goodwood Racecourse, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0PS.When: Glorious Goodwood Day 4: Friday August 1, 2014 (please note this competition does not take place on Ladies' Day). Gates open at 11am, and ladies can enter from 11am to 2pm in the Richmond and Gordon Enclosures only. Tickets for the Gordon Enclosure are still available for £40, while the Richmond Enclsoure is members-only. The final is set to take place around 3:30pm.Prizes: The Best Dressed Lady will receive all of the following -

• Overnight flights for two from London to Cape Town, South Africa
• Five nights in a luxury hotel
• A private wine tasting and lunch at L'Ormarins wine estate and Drakenstein stud at Franschhoek
• A tour of the Franschhoek Motor Museum
• A day at the L'Ormarins Queens Plate raceday on January 10, 2015
• Lunch at the Grand Cafe and Beach
• Cocktails at Merchants on Long.

For further info: please visit the Goodwood Racecourse website.Photos: courtesy of Goodwood Racecourse and from the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate Facebook page.By Lisa Tan

Cairns Amateurs 2013 Wrap Part 2

After a very busy day at Cannon Park for Ladies Day, it was back to the hotel for a super quick makeover to get ready for the Annual Amateurs Ball. It is a black tie event that only opened up to the public a few years ago. Each year there is a special musical guest which traditionally would be unveiled during the evening. This year there was a break from tradition and Jessica Mauboy was announced as the special guest in the lead up to the event. As well this year the Amateurs Ball moved locations to be held at the Esplanade. The dance floor was built over water and the whole event was to be held entirely outdoors. It would have been perfect had the weather decided to co-operate. All day at the races the clouds were threatening to rain, but they held off... until the outdoor ball.

I had the most amazing time again in Cairns getting to experience another Amateurs Carnival. The hospitality that was extended to myself and the warm welcome that Craig and I received was so lovely and made the whole trip so enjoyable and so much fun. We were both looked after very well and I cannot thank everyone involved enough for their kindness. All the hard work paid off for another fantastic and successful Cairns Amateurs Carnival!By Angela Menz