In anticipation of Wellington Steeplechase Day at Trentham Racecourse on Saturday 15 July, we caught up with Helen Rickaby – Fashion in the field expert, jumps racing fanatic and the first female steward at Levin Racing Club.

When did you first start attending the races?

1982 - I had just arrived in New Zealand from England. Frank took me to Wellington races at Trentham and I loved it. I wore jeans as I didn’t own a dress and certainly no hat. We backed two winners and could afford to go to Cobb and Co for dinner. I remember looking over to the Members Stand and thinking that one day I want to be in there and be all dressed up.

What do you love most about a great day at the races?

I love being able to get dressed up and wear a hat. There are not many occasions when one can get really dressed up and wear a hat these days. I live in jeans most of the time now I am retired!

I make most of my clothes and design my own hats, so I have fun long before the day itself! I’m also an avid op shopper, always searching for matching accessories for my outfits.

On the day having a few winners always helps but I love being with my racing friends, watching the horses parade, the jockeys mount and the sound of the hooves thundering down the straight as I scream encouragement to my selection!

Then, win or lose (mostly lose), its back to chatting, having a wine and admiring what other people are wearing.

What is your favourite memory on a racetrack?

Oh, so many! Rodin winning the group 1 Captain Cook Stakes way back in 2004. Frank and I were fortunate enough to have a small share. It was so very exciting.

Although, we love the jumpers too and if you watch Suliman win the Awapuni hurdles on May 27th, you’ll understand the heart stopping excitement and the jubilation of winning we felt, even though we have the smallest share.

I’ll also add in every Levin Bayer Classic Day. I won best dressed the year it moved to Otaki which started my long association with the Levin Racing Club as their first female steward. I loved the crowds of happy people in the marquees, the electric atmosphere of taking a Thursday off work to watch great horses and the clothes people wear.

You always look a million dollars! What is your top tip for dressing for the races?

Thank you. When dressing for the races I think choosing a style that suits you is my top tip and the less bare skin the better.

I have a unique style which some people love, and others don’t. That’s ok with me and people should just enjoy clothes and have fun. I love to see bold colours and of course a hat, always a hat or fascinator or a beautiful bold headband as seen at Ascot this year.

What trends are you loving this winter?

The checked, full length woollen coats and a cross over bag. They look fabulous and are so warm comfortable. Wearing a cross over bag means you have your hands free for the binoculars!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about entering the LOVERACING.NZ Winter Fashion in the Field at Wellington Racing Club's Steeplechase Day?

Just do it. Enjoy yourself, show off your style and know you look good. Be bold and elegant. Make your outfit striking and different. You don’t need to spend a fortune to look good - it’s the way you put it all together.

What's your top tip for a great day at the races?

Go to have a good time and don’t expect to win - then when you do it’s a bonus!

And my top tip for 15th July… follow the Nelson and McDougal team.

 

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