VIRGINIA WOOLF
Julie Penman wearing her winning birdcage creation at Fashion in the Field during the horse races at the Richmond A&P Showgrounds.
A birdcage inspired headpiece was one hat that wasn't going anywhere during the windy conditions at the Richmond Races on Sunday.
Nelson woman Julie Penman won best hat at the Fashion in the Field, with the avian themed ensemble she designed and made herself.
Penman said the hat, which included a birdcage from vintage store Eclectic, was inspired by her dress which featured peacocks and birdcages.
VIRGINIA WOOLF
Penman made her hat, which was inspired by the fabric of her dress that was patterned with peacocks and birdcages.
It wasn't the first time she had made her own headwear and the elaborate piece featured a number of small silver birds which had once been decorations on a Christmas tree. Her shoes were also adorned with glittery, silver birds.
"I've done a few, but nothing as elaborate as this," Penman said, who was also a finalist for the best dressed lady award.
MARTIN DE RUYTER
Black Jacket driven by Robbie Close wins by a nose in the second race at the Nelson Harness Racing Club meeting at the Richmond Park Showgrounds on Friday.
"It's been a lovely day with lots of friends and family."
Nelson Harness Racing Club president Kristie Hill said it was great to be able to bring the two-day family event to the top of the South. There were 10 harness races held on both days, with the longer races held on Sunday.
"I like to think we put on quite a good day for people."
VIRGINIA WOOLF
Tom Strawbridge, left, and Joe Hoston with their mascot Tyrone at the horse races at the Richmond A&P Showgrounds.
The premier Nelson Cup race on Friday was won by Kendra who was trained by Greg and Nina Hope of Christchurch.
Hill had a long association with harness racing, her grandfather was also president of the harness club and she was very passionate about the sport.
"It's an honour to hold the role, I think it's a really cool thing as a lot of people don't get to see horses these days. Once upon a time they were so common and now it's almost like a novelty, that's why we encourage the kids carts so young kids can take part."
A full list of results is available on the Nelson Harness Racing Club Facebook page.
