As the weather starts to get a little warmer, it’s time to frock up and dust off those fascinators for spring racing season. Whether you enjoy a flutter at the race track or are just searching for an excuse to dress up in your spring-time best, the racing season has something for everyone. To help you get into the race day spirit we have put together the ultimate guide to spring racing in Canberra – find out where to get the hat, the frock, pre-drink, the races coming up at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park and where to celebrate afterwards.
THE DRESS
Boutique fashion destination, Rebel Muse is your one-stop-shop this spring racing season. Be on trend and step out in style this race day with accessories, shoes and dresses styled by the friendly Rebel Muse staff to suit your look.
Be personally styled (and even update your entire wardrobe) for the new season with the personal service available at Lonsdale Street’s Pink Ink Boutique. With a number of renowned designers in-store including Karen Walker, Amouage and Bijoux de Famille you know that you are in the perfect place to nail that race-day look.
Whether you want to dress to impress or pick up a stylish statement piece, Momento Dezigns and their friendly staff in Manuka have got you covered. As a contributor to Canberra race-day outfits for many years, they know what works and are the capable hands you want to be in when shopping for that perfect race-day look.
THE HAT
Based in Canberra, Sovata creates vibrant and unique hats for bold, confident women who are not afraid to make a fashion statement! Make a splash on the fashion on the field with a burst of colour to liven up any outfit. Sovata will be displaying their range at the National Press Club on Thursday 5 October from 6.00pm – so there’s plenty of time for Melbourne Cup preparations and purchases.
Biretta and Busby Hatmaker Co.
Get your very own bespoke piece from Canberra millinery designer, Biretta and Busby. If you have trouble finding that specific piece to match your dream dress, simply leave it the designers’ capable hands. Currently available via Etsy and Facebook request, this is a guaranteed statement that will be worn time and time again.
Make your outfit perfect with a statement from Canberra designer Angela Menz. Coming in a range of colours and styles of fascinators and hats, this is sure to lift any race day outfit!
THE RACE
There are a number of races to dress up for at Thoroughbred Park this season. Three highlights to add to your calendar are:
7 October – Students Race Day and tab.com.au Tony Campbell Memorial Cup
21 October – YouthCare Canberra Race Day
1 November – tab.com.au Melbourne Cup Race Day
For more race day action head on over to the Thoroughbred Park website
FEEL LIKE KICKING ON?
After race day has finished, it would be a shame to go straight home! If you feel like kicking on, why not head to the Kingston Foreshore temptress, Betti Bravos, to keep the vibe alive. A regular favourite on the eclectic menu of nibbles would have to be the salted cod croquetas – and to keep the drinks flowing smoothly, you can’t look past Betti’s Crush cocktail that resembles the flavour of Starburst.
If you’re heading in to the city but it’s still a little early to get your rave on then you can’t walk past Shorty’s in Garema place. Hang around with your race day pals and nibble on some crispy fried potato or perhaps split a serving of crispy duck wings. To wash it all down order a Ginny Weasley – the perfect afternoon sipper with gin, lychee liqueur and a splash of peach ice tea.
Get the party started at Canberra’s iconic speakeasy bar at QT hotel. Lucky’s not only offers a secret space to kick-on with a group of buddies – but does so with an amazing bar menu and some fantastic mixologists behind the bar. If you’re hankering for a bit to eat sample the sliders (my particular favourite the Pig-Burger) and wash it down with another glass of bubbles or one of their delicious cocktails.
