An accomplished horsewoman, former international model, and fashion in the field judge, if there’s one person who can truly immerse herself in all aspects of the Grand National, it’s Elizabeth Charleston.

I know you're a big fan of jumps racing! What is it about the sport that you love so much?

I grew up watching Ann & Kenny Brown’s horses race during the winter months, as they were family friends. My mother Jocelyn was very close to the family and has so many stories about adventures with them at the races, out hunting or at the polo. As a teenager it was awesome to have the opportunity to ride their racehorses up the big hill on their farm near Cambridge following behind Michelle Hopkins.

I’ve had success in the Round the Ring jumping events at the A&P Shows on my ponies and horses and my longest winning streak was winning 22 Champion Pony Hunters in a row on ‘Micardo’. Micardo and I clicked in our partnership as we both enjoyed a bit of calculated speed and we loved a long stride!

I loved competing at the Waikato Hunters Trials  as we got to jump the huge racing hurdles that had the padding on the top panel. Flying over those jumps on a pony at speed is a thrill like no other as a kid. My sister Jennifer and I were on the children’s team at the Hunters Trials  along with Melissa Watson (nee Rowe) and Monique Bennet (nee McWha) which was known as the ‘Hopeful Hooligans’ that took out the teams competition against the adults two years in a row.

It’s all of these experiences combined that have led to a lifelong passion for jumps racing. I would loved to have had the opportunity to compete in a jumps race at some point but I was living in New York by the time I was 16 years old for my modelling career. It was more than my agent could cope with that I was Eventing, so the subject of pursing a side story of riding in a jumps race was never on the table.

Waikato Hunters Trials - The Hopeful Hooligans Monique McWha, Elizabeth Charleston, Jennifer Charleston & Melissa Rowe.

As a judge, what will you be looking for at Saturday’s Winter Fashion in the Field Competition?

I prefer a well-groomed overall look. The winner that Janelle Burnside and I selected on Ladies Day at Pukekohe Races in June was a standout for all the right reasons. Her outfit was beautifully coordinated and her hair and makeup was done to perfection. I love having a standout winner as it makes the job of judging so much easier and enjoyable.

When judging I’m open to any ‘look’ that is well executed. It could be a simple, classic outfit or it could be an exciting new look that hasn’t been done before. All I ask is if you’re creating a new look that hasn’t been done before, is make sure it doesn’t cross over to being more of a costume as opposed to an elegant race day outfit. Be polished and select an outfit that is flattering to your figure. Over the years I’ve been a size 8 through to a size 18 so I know what it’s like to try and find something that makes the most of my figure that is tasteful.

Elizabeth and Pay The Piper eventing.

 If we're going to take tips from anyone about stage presence, it's yourself! What advice would you give to FITF contestants looking to make the most of their time onstage?

The age-old question springs to mind of ‘How do you get to Carnegie Hall’? - PRACTICE. Once you’ve put your outfit together you have got to try everything on for a full dress rehearsal before race day to avoid any meltdowns. I tried on my outfit earlier in the week and while I possibly look like Minnie Mouse on a weekend trip to Paris due to the Peter Pan style collar to my top, I’m going to be warm and comfortable which help me enjoy my day at the races.

If it’s a catwalk fashion event at the races, then you need to practice your walking and a couple of flattering poses. Do not forget to have a few attempts at walking up and down stairs at home as you can never be sure what the stage and steps on race day will be like. Get a friend to video you when you practice so you have a realistic idea of how your outfit looks from a distance, up close and how the outfit walks.

If you’re entering a photograph fashion event at the races where your photo is taken by an on-site photographer, then you need to try on your entire outfit and have a friend take photos of you. You need to know how your outfit and your figure will photograph so make sure you try out different poses.

Regardless of the type of FITF  competition, a happy and confident smile will take you far. Enjoy your time in the spotlight and have a glass of bubbles to quash any race day nerves you might have before hitting the catwalk.

What are you most looking forward to come Riccarton Park’s Grand National Day this Saturday?

I love to catch up with my South Island friends from my various equestrian circles at this race meeting. I will make my way to the main grandstand first to have some of the fantastic mulled wine that is served on the ground floor and say a quick ‘hello’ to people before I head to the Tea House to judge the Winter Fashion in he Field event. Naturally the Grand National Steeplechase is the biggest draw card for me and I wish all those involved in this race an exciting, safe and successful run with their precious horses and their riders.