Fillies and fashion fever!

Ohope Prince and Kristy Guthrie. Matt McGovern, Stellar Shots.

Ladies and Gentleman – it's time to don your fancy frocks and frills, grab your wallets and gather the kids – because tomorrow Racing Tauranga is hosting a horse racing and fashion in the field event for everyone.

The Bayleys International Raceday at Tauranga Racecourse is a full day of thoroughbred racing action – including feature race of the day, the Group 2 Windsor Park Stud Japan-New Zealand International Trophy – with gates opening 10.30am

But Racing Tauranga's Andrew Love says there'll be as much action off the field as on it.

'Our Fashions in the Field event had a record number of 26 entries last year,” says Andrew. 'And we believe that was due to the great prize on offer – a trip-for-two to Brisbane to enter in the Fashion in the Fields at Eagle Farm Racing course in June.

'So, with the support of Travelcom at the Mount, we're offering this prize to the overall Shiseido Fashions in the Field event winner.”

Ladies can enter three categories – the After Hours Eventwear Women's High Fashion section for those aged 18-plus, Women's Classic Racewear for those 35-plus, or the Bernina Sewing Centre Open Design Award. On-the-day registrations commence noon and close 1pm.

And they've upped the fashion stakes for the blokes too this year by introducing The Bond and Co Best Dressed Male Award.

'Men normally don't or won't enter these competitions so we have two ‘spotters' looking out for the best dressed man in the crowds.

'He'll win a $500 suit voucher from Bond and Co Menswear on Devonport Rd – so guys, we're looking for you!”

And for those just interested in the gee-gees – there's 10 races throughout the day.

'The Group 2 Windsor Park Stud Japan-New Zealand International Trophy is complemented by the Drymix Cement Bay of Plenty Cup and the Triton Pacific Owens Plate.”

But Andrew says it's the 1600m Japan-Bay of Plenty International that makes tomorrow Tauranga's richest and most glamorous horseracing event.

'While we get our biggest patronage at Christmas – as far as racing goes, this is our biggest raceday.” Plus trackside entertainment includes live music and free children's entertainment.

So if you like horse racing make sure you get along tomorrow. 'And it's a good day to dress up!”

The event is on this Saturday, March 25, at Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton. Gates open 10.30am, racing starts 12.30pm. For more information, visit: racingtauranga.co.nz

To check out Frank Vosper's tips for the races, see page 33 of The Weekend Sun.

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