Ararat’s Maddy Vernon was crowned the 2016 Lady of the Day at the Ararat Gold Cup on Sunday.
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Ms Vernon’s purple dress with pink floral designs impressed judges who had to pick from a large field of contenders.
Her pink shoes, gloves and broad-brimmed hat, which also featured a pink floral design, matched her dress.
Ms Vernon said the first-placed finish was a nice reward for years of entering the cup’s fashions on the field.
“It is an awesome feeling because I have been trying for years,” she said.
“I saw the fabric in Spotlight and thought I loved that.
“I always have lots of floral things in my theme.
“Always try to keep the same theme of pink and flowers.
“I always said to mum, once I won at Ararat I could retire, but I do not think I can now.”
Real Housewives of Melbourne and reality television star Pettifleur Berenger was the guest judge for the cup’s fashions on the field.
Mr Berenger said the standard of fashion in the competition blew her away.
“The ladies are just amazing and have great fashion style,” she said.
“It is just lovely to see people do their best and look amazing.”
The judges had a strict criteria to judge the entrants in the competition.
Ms Berenger said there were a number of points she considered.
“To me it was about race etiquette, the complete look and the inspiration,” she said.
The atmosphere at the cup was also a highlight of the afternoon for Ms Berenger.
She said it was her first country race meeting.
“I will keep coming back if they have me,” she said.
“It is such a beautiful environment here and it is very comfortable.”
Brenda Scott and Darren Smith were presented the best dressed couple award.
Mr Smith said the pair had not known each other before they met at the cup and decided to enter.
“I was just standing there, saw her, loved the look and thought it would go well with what I was wearing,” he said.
Ms Scott wore a red Anthea Crawford dress that combined with Mr Smith’s shorts, red tie and red and white socks.
Delilah Brown was awarded Little Miss alongside Harry Jess who won the Little Master award.
Stawell’s Ruby Crouch won Miss Junior while the Master Junior was awarded to Owen Samgo.