Studying the field.

The next outing was to the races at Trentham. On the way to the railway station we saw the sculpture to commemorate Katherine Mansefield  - very striking.

 And everyone knows that Wellington shoreline used to be halfway through town - perhaps these shapely shells are to commemorate that!

 Once we got to the railway station there were lots of people in posh outfits - we hadn't really dressed up much as we were just going into the general stand. The outfits for the races were stunning - decidedly out of our league. I had opted for flat sandals rather than 6 inch heels.

Many of the photos I have taken from behind so as to not embarrass myself.

Here are the ladies entering for the Fashion in the Field

This lady is the compere and she had several changes of clothes

The girl in the full teal skirt caused quite a stir when the wind whipped up her dress

This gentleman entered in the Men's section (but did not win)

Heads down - concentrating on those 6" heels

This lady entered into the fascinator section

Wobble Wobble....

The eventual winner - oh no miss large teal is right behind!! She entered Fashion in the Field too!

But this was my pick - a teal jumpsuit with a frothy black and white blouse.

The man with the pink bag is cricketer Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee has a bouquet in black and white paper to present to the winner.

 After lunch, a few winning bets and fashion  we were having a good time - the weather was stunning. The crowds really swelled. Much alcohol was being consumed, and some of the 6" heels were removed. Sprays of alcohol started up and some of the less stable outfits revealed a boob or two.

 We went down to the birdcage as a neighbour of ours from Stout street had a horse races. It was 12. I practised a photo on horse 11, but 12 never appeared. Apparently it had been unruly and was taken straight to the starting gate. I had backed it each way -it was paying huge odds, but it came in 4th so no dividend.

Showing the members stand

It was a very big course -  bigger than Poverty Bay so it was hard to see where the horses started.

No 12 coming in 4th

The main event was the Wellington Cup. By now we were over it, hot, tired and not winning much - all the races were very close. The music played so loudly you couldn't hear the commentary and we regretted not going to one of the more refined areas. We decided to leave before the last race. As luck would have it we missed the train into town by a minute or so, so we had a hot wait for the next one in half an hour, which was packed.

The guy across the aisle was looking decidedly green, but I'm happy to report he made it into Wellington without causing a messy problem.
We had a bit of a rest before walking down to the Wellington waterfront where we had a meal at a pasta and pizza place which wasn't very good on service.