No one in Broken Hill represented fashion on the field at the iconic St Pats more than the late Colleen Gates who was a regular on the race day fashion stage.
Colleen took much pride in her race day outfits and took home many sashes throughout the years for her elegant ensembles.
Ms Gates came first in the St Pats Fashions on the Field an astonishing 12 times and is synonymous with fashion at the tracks across Broken Hill. Even toward the end of her life, she was always the height of fashion, coming second at last year’s Silver City Cup fashion awards.
Arguably the biggest prize on the day, the Colleen of the Course is named after Ms Gates. That award is handed to the best dressed female aged 18-39.
The Junior Paddy and Colleen award which is given to children judged the best dressed under the age of 13, Miss Teenager for 13-17 year old girls, Paddy of the Course for gentleman over the age of 13, Most Stylish Lady for the 40-59 year old ladies and Most Elegant Lady for the 60 plus ladies at the course are all awarded on the day.
There will also be the Millinery Award and the always popular People’s Choice open to ladies, gentleman and children.
There is no need to pre-nominate, just head to the Mick Robins grandstand after race one and present onto the fashions arena when your age category is called. There is a $2000 prize pool, including a $1000 prize for the Colleen of the Course.
This year there is an all-star judging panel who will decide the winners across the categories. There is a good mix of local judges and folks from away.
Shannen Graham from Adelaide joins the judging panel and will be looking for the perfect combination of traditional elegance and current trends. A winner and runner-up at the Adelaide Cup fashions on the field, Ms Graham is more than qualified to sit on this panel. Her greatest advice for others is to, “remember to dress for yourself. Don’t try to fit yourself into a category or style that doesn’t feel like you. Dress confident in what makes you feel great”.
Judge Kelly Zanker was born in Adelaide and moved to the Silver City in 2010 after travelling through Europe as a Registered Nurse. Upon her return she set about creating luxurious table linen brand Ashbourne Abode after spotting a gap in the market for stylish, timeless, and conversation-starting homewares pieces. Ms Zanker says she will be looking for bright colours and bold prints worn with confidence and instilling a sense of fun on race day.
We also have Gold Coast designer Bec Sheehan. Ms Sheehan is creative director and founder of clothing range, Mahli – The Label.
Ms Sheehan was inspired by her daughter, Mahli, to create a size-inclusive range of feminine pieces that women of all sizes could feel beautiful and empowered in. The bohemian spirit of Mahli flows through her designs, featuring bold statement pieces and signature prints – inspired by travel, romance and freedom.
With an all star panel like this, you will have to put your best foot forward if you want to take home a sash on St Pats race day.
The fifty-eighth St Pats Race Day is at Broken Hill Racecourse on Saturday, March 11.
