Gabby Cashmore | Meet the 2023 The Ned Prix de Fashion Qualifiers

Gabby Cashmore has once again qualified for The Ned Prix de Fashion after taking top honours at the Pukekohe Park Boxing Day Races. Gabby will represent Auckland Thoroughbred Racing in the regional final this year.

We caught up with Gabby ahead of this year’s national fashions in the field final. Read on to learn more about this fashionable filly……

Gabby strutting her stuff on a fashions in the field runway here at Ellerslie

We’ve seen you in many great outfits over the years, how long have you been entering fashions in the field (FITF) competitions now?

4 years. Wow, that time has flown!

Is it all about the ‘sash’? What keeps you entering?

It’s about the people. I have met some of my closest friends through FITF and they beat any sash, it really is an incredible group of women who are super supportive always.

It is also a wonderful way to be creative, expressive, and daring.

Gabby pictured with two-time The Ned Prix de Fashion winner Laura Campbell

Gabby’s qualifying look, winning the coveted Classic Womenswear title at Pukekohe Park Boxing Day Races

You qualified for The Ned Prix de Fashion at the Boxing Day Races. Can you tell us a little bit about this winning outfit?

It was a dress with a base of white with red and pink flowers, some of which were 3D, and quite a full skirt.

I had red and black accessories and a Belinda Green red floral headpiece.

Who are your fashion icons when it comes to racewear?

We are so lucky to have so much inspiration in New Zealand and abroad. I adore Yoanna Hanbury’s classic and chic approach to racing style.

Tell us, what’s your number one rule for a racewear look?

Love your outfit, nobody else is wearing it and when you love it that really shines through and gives a new level of confidence.

Spot Gabby’s ‘crisp’ bow, you’d never know!

How do you think Kiwi racewear differs from that around the world?

There is such a talent of people in New Zealand – milliners, designers, vintage-hunters and family who are helping.

There is a sense of Kiwi ingenuity and boldness. I myself have superglued earrings on and have worn no.8 wire to keep a bow crisp! When we commit, we are all in!

What is your top tip for enjoying a day at the races?

Gabby pictured at this year’s Derby Day

Finally, what’s your favourite raceday on the

season calendar and what sparked your love of racing?

I couldn’t pick one day as every day at the track is special.

I do love Derby Day in particular as it’s always so exciting to see how people put a spin on black and white.

I like to think my love of racing stems from my grandfather who had horses running at Ellerslie in the 1950s. Racedays there are particularly sentimental to me.

The Ned Prix de Fashion is New Zealand’s national fashions in the field final. There’s still time to enter the opening round with entries closing on the 23rd of April.