WA Country Cups recently caught up with Ainslie Jackson, the winner of the South West Regional Heat held at Bunbury Ladies Day on the 13th March 2016, for the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field.
Ainslie will be one of nine regional heat winners, who will be taking part in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field State Final, to be held at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 26th November.
Here’s what she had to say:
What do you love about country racing? It’s in my blood! My uncle was the President of my hometown’s trotting club (Narrogin) and also had his own horses. He later became the President of the WA Trotting Association and I was so proud of him when he would give a speech and promote the sport he loved. He took me too many country and Gloucester Park meets. The women in our family rallied behind him, my mum and aunty working tirelessly in the canteen while us kids got to play all night. So for me, country racing is a family affair.
How long have you been going to the races for and what are your favourite memories? Since as early as I can remember. From country trots as a young girl, to the Perth races when I was at uni and now any chance I get. My favourite memories include my first ever Fashions on the Field win last Melbourne Cup Day at the Bunbury races, winning my first bet, meeting new people and making local connections.
Why do you enter Fashions on the Field? I obviously love fashion but there is a deep meaning in this for me, much more than aesthetics or looks. It is the celebration of femininity and the promotion of our unique identities. I appreciate the duality of being competitive and sporty with elegance and composure. In short, I think it enables me to express my personality in a visual way.
Describe your style? Chic, on-trend and textural. I wish there could be awards for both classic and avant-garde as then we could really see more diversity coming through.
What tips do you have for ladies entering Fashions on the Field? Know the rules or etiquette, be familiar with the expectations/theme or seasonal requirements, invest in good millinery, pay attention to detail, bring your own look. You need to be contemporary but not too fashion forward.
What are some of your favourite things about the South West Region? We really do have it all! Beautiful beaches, quality dining and social and recreational amenities. My children can play safely on the street with their neighbours and have every educational and recreational need met. When I came to Bunbury several years ago, I was told the social event of the year was the Bunbury races and it is true. It truly celebrates sport, community and achievement. Without such a strong local club and local sponsors, I wouldn’t have the opportunity I do now to compete for this amazing prize.
What does it mean to you to be going to Ascot to compete in the final? I said previously with tongue in cheek that it will mean keeping up my gym membership, but really it is an honour to represent my region, to maintain my family love of racing and to be an example to other women to embrace a positive identity and image. The whole experience is exciting and I can’t wait for Ascot in November.
In 2016, Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) announced and exciting new initiative, the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field.
The initiative is a state-wide racing fashions competition, which is open to fashionistas from all over WA.
The racing fashion event consists of regional heats held at major race meetings across the State. The winner of each heat will receive an invitation to compete in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final to be held Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 26th November 2016.
The winner of the Final will take home a $25,000 Racing Holiday and Spending Spree, which includes a seven night racing experience in Hong Kong courtesy of Motive Travel, $10,000 spending money thanks to TABtouch, as well as vouchers and gifts from Reny Kestel, Only One Ashley and Smales Jewellery.
Regional Heat Dates:
The WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field consists of the following regional heats and final event: