High fashion mixes with high stakes as glamour takes over the racetrack

By Martha McKenzie-Minifie

Fashion is getting a bigger run at Auckland Cup Week, as organisers position the gala as the nation's "glamour" sporting event.
Auckland Racing Club chief executive Chris Weaver said racing's reputation here as "traditionally a bit more of an old man's sport" was being reinvigorated.
Mr Weaver, who had two new suits made for the week, said attracting well-dressed young people was part of the image overhaul.
He said the carnival was now giving international glamour events a run for their money with the $100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for those who tread the catwalk in today's Mercedes Prix de Fashion being the biggest haul in Australasia.
Ten finalists selected at fashion events around the country, including in Matamata, Christchurch and Hawkes Bay, would be joined by five chosen after registering on theday.
Mr Weaver said the races were one of the few places where people dressed in finery.
"It's getting to the stage where ladies aren't wearing hats to weddings any more...We can say, 'Look, this is the excuse you've got when you want to come along to Ellerslie, this is your chance to get really dressed up."
Fashion designer Yvonne Bennetti, TV3's Carol Hirschfeld, socialite Gilda Kirkpatrick and stylist Robert Niwa will be the judges.