Fashions on the Field competitions

Great Northern Brewing Co. Amateurs Day Judges

Michelle Champion: Michelle Champion is the Director of Champions in Real Estate and one of Cairns' most recognised businesswomen. With a passion for style, presentation and excellence, Michelle brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail to our judging panel.

Natalie Taylor: Natalie Taylor is an award-winning Cairns milliner and the creative force behind N.A.T Millinery. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours and natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland, Natalie has built a reputation for creating innovative, handcrafted racewear pieces, earning national recognition including First Runner Up in the prestigious Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award in 2023

Bella Nucifora: Bella Nucifora is the Resident Stylist at Cairns Central, bringing 15 years of industry expertise to her role. Her extensive background encompasses retail campaigns, commercial photo shoots, and experience as a former dress hire boutique owner. With a strong foundation in hair and beauty, Bella is a versatile specialist in concept development, wardrobe curation, and on-set coordination. A passionate advocate for empowering client confidence, she frequently lends her professional eye to regional events, including styling racing fashion campaigns and judging Fashions on the Field events.

Friday 28th August - Ladbrokes Newmarket Ladies Day

Gordon's Pink Gin Ladies Long Lunch at the Silks Pavilion

Exclusive Fashions on the Field

For those attending the exclusive Ladies Long Lunch in the Silks Pavilion, there's a very special Fashions on the Field competition just for you. Photo judging on arrival identifies the Top 10 finalists, who then go head-to-head in a live judging round with substantial prizes for the winner. It's an intimate, elegant, and fiercely stylish celebration of race day fashion — exclusively for Ladies Long Lunch guests. 

Secure your spot and your chance to compete here. 

🔹 Lady of the Day - Elegant, Effortless race day style featuring a pop of seasonal Carnival of colour.
Winner: Ultimate Gold Coast Turf Club Race Day experience – 4-course lunch with beverages, a visit to the race caller's box, access to the saddling enclosure and watching the start of a race from the barriers ($1,500), $150 Kelly Louise Designs millinery voucher
Runner Up: $150 Kelly Louise Designs millinery voucher, $50 Limoncello voucher, Giants Pizza $59.90 voucher

🔹 Best Millinery - High-fashion headwear with structure, drama, and impeccable craftsmanship.
Winner: Pullman Cairns International – 2 tickets to Melbourne Cup Day luncheon ($478) and 1 night accommodation in a Superior room incl. breakfast for 2 ($384)$150 Kelly Louise Designs millinery voucher
Runner Up: $150 Kelly Louise Designs millinery voucher, $100 Koru voucher, Giants Pizza $59.90 voucher

Saturday 29th August - Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day

🔹 Fashion Forward (under 30’s) - Celebrate your style with a vibrant, youthful take on race day fashion.
Time: 11:55am
Winner: Alivio Hotel Cairns – 2 nights accommodation incl. breakfast at Goose Cafe and dinner for 2 at Finn Finn one evening, $600 Amara voucher, MexiCairns $100 voucher.
Runner Up: Giants Pizza $59.90 voucher, $100 Cairns Bulk Meats voucher; $150 Kelly Louise Designs millinery voucher

🔹 Best Dressed Lady (over 30’s) - Polished elegance meets the colour and energy of the Carnival of Colour.
Time: 12:55pm (after Race 1)
Winner: Pullman Cairns International – 2 tickets to Melbourne Cup Day luncheon ($478) and 1 night accommodation in a Superior room incl. breakfast for 2 ($384), Myer gift basket valued at $600.
Runner Up: Giants Pizza $59.90 voucher, $100 Koru voucher; $150 Kelly Louise Designs millinery voucher

🔹 Best Millinery - High-fashion headwear with structure, drama, and impeccable craftsmanship.
Time: 1:25pm (after Race 2)
Winner: Laser Clinics BBL treatment package valued at $600. CJC membership plus guest pass, $150 Kelly Louise Designs millinery voucher
Runner Up: Casey Barnes double pass valued at $100, Giants Pizza $59.90 voucher, Bottle of Bundaberg run valued at $75.

🔹 Well Suited (men and women) - A bold and tailored take on classic racewear with statement accessories.
Time: 12:20pm
Winner: Tarocash voucher $600, Asahi gift pack including single malt whiskey, Yeti esky, Yeti colsters, Makita blower valued at $600. 
Runner Up: Magic Millions merchandise pack valued at $275, Giants Pizza $59.90 voucher

Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day Judges

Ella Cohen: Ella Cohen is a Digital Marketing Executive at the Gold Coast Turf Club and a born-and-bred local, having spent the past six years building her career across major event partnerships, digital strategy and social media marketing. A former finalist for Gold Coast Young Women of the Year, Ella’s sharp eye for style and storytelling make her a natural fit as a judge for Fashions on the Field at the Cairns Super Carnival, proudly sponsored by Cairns Central.

Damien Garozzo: Damien Garozzo is a Cairns local from a prominent and long-standing family business.  Damien Garozzo previously enjoyed a stellar international career as a high-fashion makeup artist based in Paris. Represented by a top European agency, he worked with elite global clientele including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and award-winning film composer Alexandre Desplat at the Cannes Film Festival. Damien has since returned to Cairns, where he has transitioned his expertise into a senior role as a Public Health Consultant.

Andrew Thornton: With a flair for fashion and a reputation for standout race-day style, Andrew is no stranger to the Fashions on the Field stage. A multiple winner across Cairns and Far North Queensland, he has spent years celebrating the creativity, confidence and individuality that make racing fashion so exciting. Known for his eye for style and love of making a statement, Andrew believes the best fashion is about more than what you wear - it’s how you wear it. He is delighted to step onto the other side of the runway as a judge at Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day, looking for those who bring originality, polish and plenty of personality

Dress Code

Race day fashion is encouraged across all events. We recommend smart casual to formal attire. Hats and fascinators are popular but not required — unless you're entering Fashions on the Field, in which case we'd say go all out.