Hats off to Hawko

On the right track... Jennifer Hawkins is among the fashion plates set to support Australia's racing industry after the devastating equine flu epidemic.


by Jen Melocco


THE fillies will finally be back on the track - and beside it - this weekend, as a real race meeting returns to Sydney.

Rosehill is preparing for a bumper 12-race program on Saturday, complete with actual punters, while Sydney's event-starved fashionistas are gearing up for a glamorous return to the track.

With the equine flu epidemic destroying much of the Sydney thoroughbred season, horse lover Jennifer Hawkins yesterday said it was time to get behind the racing industry as the Melbourne Cup looms.

Hawkins modelled some of the latest raceday fashions as she made a plea for Sydney racegoers, who have missed out on much of the fun of the track, to embrace the upcoming Melbourne Spring Carnival.

"I love ladylike dresses with romantic silk and lace," Hawkins said after wrapping up a fashion shoot for Myer at Bowral.

This season, Hawkins said a touch of black and white was perfect for a day like Derby Day.

When it comes to that other essential piece of raceday clothing - hats - this season's strong metallic shades are the way to go.

"Metallics are huge this year and look great teamed with black and white for Derby Day," she said.

While, for the Melbourne Cup, a burst of colour was needed.

Myer director of apparel, Judy Coomber, said while Sydney had missed out on dressing up this spring carnival, there would be more interest than usual from those contravelling interstate for the Cup.

"We are still showcasing a great range of Spring Racing dresses and millinery as we believe there will be an increased interest in the Melbourne Carnival," Ms Coomber said.

Rosehill confirmed Saturday's meeting would be expanded from nine races to 12, to accommodate the bulk of 325 horses nominated.

Two races have attracted 50 or more nominations and two other races have 40 or more.

The meeting is open to both locally and Warwick Farm-trained horses and kicks off at 10.15am.

Dates for the resumption of racing in other parts of NSW should become clearer today.

Source: The Daily Telegraph