Fashion: Introducing the Regional Finalists Part 1

We are only days away from The Ned Prix de Fashion regional final where our nine pre-qualifiers from around the country will take to the stage alongside our four winners of the Godavari Diamonds Fashion Qualifiers to compete for the title of New Zealand’s best dressed racegoer for 2024 as well as the $20,000+ winner-takes-all prize package courtesy of The Ned and Victoria Racing Club (VRC).

Before these nine very fashionable fillies walk the runway on Trackside Derby Day we wanted to put a few questions to them to find out a bit more about what got them here and what’s in store. Read on for more…..

2023 The Ned Prix de Fashion winner, Lily Simons

Joanna Lewis

Qualified: Melbourne Cup Day

Representing: Otago Racing Club

Joanna is new to the world of fashions in the field but what a debut it was when she took out the top spot on Melbourne Cup Day at Wingatui. Joanna will be winging her way up to Auckland for The Ned Prix de Fashion regional final on Trackside Derby Day to see if she can one better and take out the national title.

Here’s a bit more about Joanna…

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

I was invited to the Wingatui races by my friend whose husband was away, so I went along as her +1.  I had a week to get my outfit together so shopped in my wardrobe as I live in Wanaka and didn’t have much time to head on a shopping spree!  I found a blue Max pleated dress which I love the colour of and the sheen.  The pink Anna Stretton jacket I wore over the top has been a firm favourite of mine for years.  It has a beautiful flowery lining with the exact blue of the dress in it.  I particularly love the retro look and the cut of it and the bonus was I felt it was reminiscent of a horse racing jacket.  Both pieces were at least 8 years old.  The Kate Sylvester shoes I had worn for a wedding the year before – not the blue of the dress but I quite liked the fact they were not an exact match and loved the lace up ties on them which added another dimension to the look.  I needed a head piece with same pink to pull the outfit together so chatted to a friend who put me onto the lovely Susi Meares from Seventh and Figg in Christchurch.  She didn’t have anything there but directed me to Benny from World in Auckland who sells some of her pieces.  The pink of the flowers on the head piece were perfect and I loved the height that it gave to the look.  It arrived at 8am on the morning of the races so a bit of a close call but obviously meant to be!  The navy sun glasses by ‘Happy to Sit on your Face’ make me smile and again, I liked bringing in another shade of blue.  They are an interesting shape and added another twist to the look.  I always love a twist!  I had no intention entering fashion in the field, however  after a glass of bubbles, I buckled to pressure thinking that this was good way to honour the memory of my late father-in-law Doug O’Neill who was a NZ horse trainer based at Wingatui racecourse.

How would you describe your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion in 3 words?

Legacy meets Japanese retro.

What’s your favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

Picking the winner of the Melbourne cup the day I won fashions in the field at Wingatui (which I had no intention of entering at the start of the day).

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be and why? 

I almost got to Ladies Day at Ascot when I was in England living for a couple of years.  I had even brought a beautiful hat in Stratford-Upon-Avon to wear (white and navy with the hugest brim) which I had for years and wore to a few weddings instead.  I can’t remember why I didn’t manage to get there but I would love to attend in the future.  I always follow the royal family and their outfits every year.

Ciara Abel

Qualified: Counties Cup Day

Representing: Pukekohe Park/ATR

Ciara is another who has recently stepped into the racing fashion arena and what an entrance she made taking out the hotly contested Best Dressed Womenswear sash on Counties Cup Day in Auckland. Ciara will now get the chance to sashay her way to $20,000+ in prizes on Trackside Derby Day this week. Here’s what Ciara had to say in answer to our questions for her….

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

I wore a pink, red, orange & black abstract patterned dress with a high neck. My millinery was made by Claire Hahn it was a beautiful red and pink doughnut style with a long red bow from the back. I loved it!

In 3 words describe your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion?

Soft, candy, structured.

What’s your favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

Attending Derby Day in Melbourne 6 years ago to watch a family friends horse run in the Derby.. it wasn’t a winner! Ha!

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be and why?

It would have to be Melbourne Cup. It’s an iconic day I would love to people watch and admire all the different fashion styles.

Sasha Boyens

Qualified: Boxing Day Races

Representing: Pukekohe Park/ATR

Is it third time lucky for Sasha? She has a smile that lights up any runway and is no stranger to a sash, especially a grand finalist sash, having made it to the top 5 in the last two consecutive The Ned Prix de Fashion finals. We put the same questions to Sasha and here’s what she had to say….

Tell us a bit about the outfit you qualified in?

The outfit that I qualified in is one of my favourites. I love contemporary racewear. The print really has a 1960s Palm Springs vibe about it. The hat and accessories compliment the co-ord beautifully.

In 3 words describe your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion?

Fun, effortless and unique.

What’s your favourite raceday memory to date (fashion or otherwise)?

One of my favourite raceday memories would have to be when I won my very first sash on Derby Day at Ellerslie in 2019. It was such a thrill!

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be and why?

Dubai World Cup. It would be an incredible experience. I have seen the Kiwis do so well over there.

Check out a few of Sasha’s raceday looks below…

Trackside Derby Day is happening this Saturday 2 March at Ellerslie. The Godavari Diamonds Fashion Qualifiers are your last chance to qualify for The Ned Prix de Fashion regional final which will take place later the same day. For more information about Trackside Derby Day and ticket options click here.