High racing, style stakes at NWJC Ladies Day

Punters dusted off their frocks, fascinators and suits and dressed to impress for one of the biggest racing events on the Pilbara social calendar on Saturday.

The Nor West Jockey Club’s 2019 Ladies Day meet drew about 1000 people to the red-dirt track near Roebourne, where the style stakes were almost as high as those for racing.

On the track, feature race the 1400m Harding Cup was won by Swift Platinum, ridden by jockey Michelle Hagley, who finished way ahead of the competition.

The Chorister, Scooter’s Machine and Wonorg finished second, third and fourth.

Scoreline claimed opening race the 1600m handicap, despite a late surge from Mick’s Tippin’, while Incoherent broke free of the field just in time to get a close win in the 1100m handicap event.

Turn of Phrase was the 1100m maiden winner, Gone and Got It took out the 1200m ladies bracelet and fifth race, the 1800m handicap, fell to Boomnbust. In the final 1200m handicap event, Kilkenny Joe stayed just a nose in front of Bodega Beau to claim the win.

Competition was also fierce off the track at judging for Fashions on the Field, in which the best-dressed men and women took to the catwalk to show off their racing style.

Stylish husband-and-wife duo Kuda and Norsh Zimba won the men’s and women’s competitions respectively.

Nor West Jockey Club president Nick Furnivall said Ladies Day was a chance for locals to enjoy a classy day out as well as cheering on the racing.

“The winner of the Harding Cup, Swift Platinum, never looked like getting beat — he just romped home,” he said.

“It’s been a competitive racing day and I think everyone’s genuinely enjoyed it.”

He said the club was expecting big crowds for the Roebourne Cup based on membership numbers and pre-sale tickets sold so far.

Fashions on the Field MC Angie Ayers said Ladies Day was a rare event for locals to dress up and enjoy a classy day out.

For more photos, see this Wednesday’s issue of the Pilbara News.