Black Opal Stakes: What you need to know before you go
Posted on
With petting zoos, live music and comedy acts, this year’s Black Opal Stakes isn’t your average race day.
Described as “Canberra’s Melbourne Cup,” it is Thoroughbred Park’s most popular event, with thousands of racegoers expected to attend this Sunday 11 March.
If you’re looking to go for the first time or need a helping hand, don’t fret —we’ve sussed out everything you need to know before you go.
What to do
Whether you’re attending with friends or family, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event, including petting zoos and makeup touch-ups.
“For the kids we have a jumping castle and activities, a petting zoo and face-painting, then of course there is the Canberra Centre fashions on the field,” says Thoroughbred Park’s manager business and marketing Briony Young.
“There’s plenty of bars and seating areas where people can sit in shade and enjoy the races and the fashions, we’ll have live music throughout the day with not just one but four DJs and our favourite race day band Guitar Cases, as well as a roaming comedy act. Canberra Makeup Academy are also on course offering makeup touch ups.”
Feeling lucky?
If you’re feeling lucky on the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to win, not just on the racecourse—this year, a car is up for grabs!
“To enter, all you need to do is simply go to your local TAB outlet and place a bet on any sort of race prior to 11 March, and you will receive an entry form,” says Briony.
“There will be eight winners drawn prior to Black Opal Stakes day and they will be allocated a runner in the Black Opal Stakes and if their horse wins they win the car.
“If there are more than eight runners in the Black Opal Stakes, you can come to the track on 11 March and put your bets on throughout the day, where you’ll receive an entry form and the remaining horses will be drawn on the day prior to Black Opal Stakes. So you could be driving that awesome prize out the gates after the races!”
What to wear
Even the most seasoned racegoer can get stuck when it comes to the wardrobe department. This year’s Canberra Centre Fashions on the Field judge Jemma Mrdak suggests looking to autumnal colours of rich plum, forest greens, deep blues and neutrals.
“For autumn race days, sleeves are preferred, as are closed shoes and a sleek, sophisticated and put-together look,” Jemma says.
“Opt for a sleek, tailored look. The weather for Sunday is going to be on the warm side, but make sure you keep things classy, and your hair and makeup should be on-point.
“When it comes to headpieces, it is encouraged to wear hats that are constructed from felt or wool, however metal or leather headpieces are also a great alternative too! Add a touch of glam with your accessories through a hint of rose gold or silver.”
Fashionista Form
Keen on trying your luck in Fashions on the Field? This year’s event includes a new concept called The Podium, where entrants have their photo taken on a podium located in the betting ring as part of the registration process between 12 noon and 3pm, and finalists are then called to walk the stage.
Jemma says she would love to see entrants who aren’t afraid to wear something unique.
“We’ll be looking for those who experiment with colour, but also pay attention to detail with their accessories and headwear,” she says.
“I’d love to see an outfit where the millinery, shoes and clutch (for women) match back well with the outfit, and that the men have also thought about all the little details in their outfit too.
“I think it’s important to decide on your dress/outfit first and use this as a base for your look. Then, style everything around that. Pick out particular colours or shades from your outfit, and use one to then direct towards the colour of your headwear.”
This year there will also be a new category called Outfit of the Day, open to men and women over-40 only.
Both categories will be hosted by 106.3’s Kristen Henry, with judges including Jemma, Hall of Fame fashion designer Leonard Derecourt, Stylist and racing fashion expert Francesca Droulias and radio personality Beth Larsen.
What to eat and drink
Thoroughbred Park’s snack bar will be serving everything from salad or chicken kebabs, to pizza and burgers if you’re craving something more substantial.
“Try to drink a bottle of water in between your drinks and don’t drink on an empty stomach—it will help you to stay in control and not experience any embarrassing moments,” says Briony.
How to get there
If you are pre-purchasing tickets you can use your ticket to ride any bus in Canberra to get to and from the races for free, with buses stopping just outside the main gates of Thoroughbred Park.
“If you can get in when the gates open you can secure a pretty good seat or table in the general public areas, or it’s still not too late to become a member —and for that very small investment you can rub shoulders with racings elite and get your membership cost back in food and drink vouchers,” says Briony.
“After the day is over, buses will then leave from the course to our official after-party at The Duxton in O’Çonnor.”
What to bring
- A small tube of sunscreen (sunburn ruins any look)
- A small umbrella
- A spare pair of flats (if you can fit them)
- No more money than you can afford to lose on the day (but enough so that you can enjoy a bet or two and catch a bus or a cab safely home)
- Sunglasses
- Lipstick/Lip gloss – or if you forget, take a trip to the Canberra Makeup Academy Pamper Lounge
- Band-aids (in a blister emergency)
- Invest in some Party Feet so you are more comfortable throughout the day
- Wallet, keys
- Phone
the essentials
What: Black Opal Stakes
When: Sunday, 11 March 2018. Gates open 11.30am
Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Rd, Lyneham
How much: Adult entry from $25, under 18s free
Web: thoroughbredpark.com.au/races/black-opal-stakes
This is a sponsored post. Find more information about sponsored posts here.
Leave a Reply