Outsiders Steal the Show at Prestigious Racing Event
While thoroughbreds competed on the track at Kembla Grange, the real competition for many spectators unfolded in the fashion arena during The Gong Raceday on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Two dedicated fashion enthusiasts from regional NSW travelled significant distances to claim victory in the highly anticipated Fashions on the Field competition, proving that passion and preparation can overcome geographical barriers.
460km Journey to Fashion Victory
Elizabeth Paterson, a sonographer who splits her time between Griffith and Dubbo, embarked on an impressive 460-kilometre drive specifically to compete in the women's category. Her winning ensemble featured a striking blue and orange combination that immediately caught the judges' attention. "The colour combo just spoke to me straight away, it was like a pop of coral," Ms Paterson explained about her carefully curated outfit.
Her dedication to fashion extends far beyond single events. "I sit in the lounge room sketching designs at night," she revealed, though she noted practical limitations: "I don't have my sewing machine here in Dubbo so I got a lady to make it for me." The most remarkable element of her winning look was undoubtedly the hat, which featured more than 300 feathers and intricate beading that she created personally.
Ms Paterson credits her aunt, Wollongong resident Iris Brodie, with inspiring her passion after gifting her a hat block years ago. This inspiration combined with watching Noni Hazlehurst demonstrate hat-making on Better Homes and Gardens sparked what has become a serious commitment to racewear fashion.
Nowra Man Claims Second Gong Victory
In the men's category, Jason Crockett from Nowra demonstrated that local knowledge and consistent performance pay dividends, having now won The Gong event twice in the past. His winning outfit represented a collaboration of premium Australian designers, including a suit by Dom Bagnato, shoes by A Fish Named Fred, and a custom-made hat by Liliana Birchall.
Mr Crockett approaches Fashions on the Field with strategic precision. "I look at my competitors for inspiration and also online to see what's trending in fashion," he shared. While he has previously drawn inspiration from international runways, he noted that Australia sometimes lags behind global fashion trends, which has occasionally affected his competition outcomes.
By day, Mr Crockett works for a mining company, but his evenings are dedicated to planning Fashions on the Field outfits with his wife Sarah. The couple regularly travels across NSW to compete at various race days, including recent appearances in Sydney, Newcastle, and premium Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival events.
"I like dressing up and looking good and personally it's a challenge, I want to be the best person on the track," Mr Crockett confessed. "Some people don't like the eyes on them, but I want people to think 'he looks amazing'."
More Than Just a Fashion Contest
The success of these regional competitors highlights how Fashions on the Field has evolved into a serious pursuit requiring research, planning, and significant personal investment. Both winners demonstrate that the competition extends far beyond simply wearing attractive outfits, involving:
- Months of preparation and design conceptualization
- Understanding current fashion trends and judging criteria
- Significant travel commitments across the state
- Collaboration with specialist designers and milliners
The victories by Ms Paterson and Mr Crockett prove that dedication to craftsmanship and personal style can triumph regardless of geographical location, making The Gong Raceday a truly inclusive celebration of Australian racing fashion culture.
