The Girls' Guide to Brisbane Racing Carnival 2013

The Girls' Guide to Brisbane Racing Carnival 2013

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Posted 2013-05-16 by Geraldine Masseyfollow

Sat 11 May 2013 - Sat 08 Jun 2013

[SECTION]The Girls' Guide to Brisbane Racing Carnival [/SECTION]

Forget about Gai Waterhouse, John Singleton, Andrew Johns and the whole farcical More Joyous affair. In Brisbane racing actually has something to celebrate. The Brisbane Racing Carnival is currently running at full gallop and is the place to be for fashionistas and girls who just want to have fun over the next few weeks.


For the Brisbane Racing Carnival it's not the Three Rs that count, although some knowledge of reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic will help you when studying the form guide and keeping track of your winnings. To maximise your enjoyment of this year's carnival you need to know about the Three Hs - Hats & Haute Couture, Hospitality and Horses. Whether you're a serious entrant in the Fashions on the Field contest, a horse lover or merely looking for a fun day out with friends there are some tips that could make or break your day. So hold on to your hats, or fascinators, and I'll let you in on some insider information I got straight from the horse's mouth on my somewhat bedraggled attendance at the carnival's opening day.



[SECTION]Horses and Racing Information[/SECTION]

I know you want to get straight to the fashion but there are some things about the racing it's best to get straight upfront.

Race Days and Venues
There are 2 tracks involved - Eagle Farm and Doomben, and even though they are next to each other it's best to turn up at the right track on the right day.

The remaining race meetings are:
Kirks Doomben Cup Day - Saturday 18 May, Doomben Racecourse
Carlton MID Doomben 10,000 Day - Saturday 25 May, Eagle Farm Racecourse
Queensland Oaks Day - Saturday 1 June, Eagle Farm Racecourse
AAMI Stradbroke Day - Saturday 8 June, Eagle Farm Racecourse


Hot Tips

1) Check out the horses
Don't make the mistake of thinking that the races are just Party Central. Horses are big, beautiful animals and it's worth making the effort to see them in their stalls and in the mounting yards. You might even get to hear some insider information as the trainers give last minute instructions to jockeys before they mount.


2) Have a flutter
The girls who use the time honoured tradition of picking a winner based on name, silk colours or numbers have just as much chance as the guy who has studied the form guide in depth. Have a go. There are bookmakers dotted all around the course who are happy to take your money.


3) Bring cash with you
Have cash on hand for drinks and betting. There were long queues at the ATMs on opening day.

[SECTION]Hats and Haute Couture[/SECTION]

We girls know that the Sport of Kings has become the Sport of Princesses and it's really all about the fashion.


Fashions on the Field

Kirks Doomben Cup Day (18 May) is for the Family Category, where any combination of four related people can enter to win shopping gift cards and other prizes.

Carlton MID Doomben 10,000 Day (25 May) is the Couples Category. Stylish couples can win shopping gift cards, accommodation and other prizes.

Queensland Oaks Day (1 June) is traditionally Ladies Day at the carnival so this one is the Ladies Category for the serious fashionistas. Prizes include accommodation, shopping and bar vouchers.

The boys and girls come out to play fashion at AAMI Stradbroke Day (8 June). The Open Category carries the really big prizes and of course, bragging rights. Men and women compete for a trip to Hong Kong, as well as accommodation, shopping and bar vouchers.


Hot Tips

1) Hats or Fascinators?
Of course the big question on everyone's lips is "Hats or Fascinators, girls?". While there was a fair smattering of both at BTC Cup Day I think the tide has finally turned back towards hats. All the finalists in the Fashions on the Field Viewers' Choice category wore hats.

2) Style
As far as racing fashions go girls don't believe the old adage "Less is more". It's actually just less - less sophisticated, less stylish and less classy. Think Grace Kelly rather than Paris Hilton and you'll be on the right track.

3) Take an umbrella
Go for a small folding one that will fit in your bag or make it a statement piece to complement your outfit. Not just horses, but lots of fashionistas, floundered in the very wet conditions of the carnival's opening day.

[SECTION]Hospitality[/SECTION]

If you really want to make an occasion of your racing experience choose one of the many hospitality options rather than just General Admission. You can become a Member For a Day (prices range from ($95 to $120 depending on the race meeting you attend) and get entry into the Members Stand. It's well worth it for the atmosphere.


A host of other packages, marquees, lunches and parties, with special touches like live entertainment, buffet lunches, tote facilities and free make-up touch-ups are available throughout the carnival.

Find all the details by clicking on the links below

Kirks Doomben Cup Day

Carlton MID Doomben 10,000 Day

Queensland Oaks Day

AAMI Stradbroke Day



Hot Tips

1) Move around
Just because you choose one hospitality package doesn't mean you're stuck in the one spot all day. Depending on the package you purchase there will be areas you will not be able to access, but don't let that hold you back. Get out and about, see as much as you can and soak up all that atmosphere.

2) Environmentally friendly forks don't work
At Punt and Party at the beautiful St Leger stand party-goers were given recycled cutlery (no plastic). While you may applaud this from an environmental point of view, they actually don't work very well, especially when tackling a juicy steak. Maybe you'd like to stick to the salad?



3) It's not just about race days
There are other Brisbane Racing Carnival events that you might like to attend. The Carnival Oaks Ball features Jessica Mauboy, a stylish Carnival High Tea is scheduled for Friday 7 June and the Stradbroke Eve Calcutta is also on Friday 7 June .

#sport
#outdoor
#inner_suburbs
#food_wine
#festivals
#fashion
#eagle_farm
#ascot
#may
!date 11/05/2013 -- 08/06/2013
%wnbrisbane
218558 - 2023-06-16 07:44:45

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