Editorial: Think before you drink, racegoers

Photo / Paul Taylor

It's time to dust off the fascinator - race season is here.

And for women it means co-ordinating the right outfit, applying the fake tan and finding a great pair of heels that both match the dress and don't leave you wincing in pain after a few hours.

I must admit I spend more time admiring the fashion in the field than what is happening on the track.

But the one thing I can't abide is seeing some of these beautifully made-up women disintegrate into a wobbly mess by the end of the day.

I encountered a lot of this when I was the reporter on the ground at Christchurch Cup Day a few years back.

I'd bump into women I'd talked to earlier in the day who were now barefoot and had a slight slur to their voices.

I always cringe when the "Drunk girls of Melbourne Cup" photos circulate.

The girls who elegantly stepped out that morning are often sprawled on the ground after too many wines in the sun.

So, ladies, maintain your poise this weekend at the Windsor Park Plate-Bostock New Zealand Spring Racing Carnival.

It can be a long day out with the first race at 12.18pm and the last at 5.06pm so make sure you get some water down in between those glasses of Lindauer.

And the men on track also need to keep it in control as anyone who misbehaves runs the risk of not being able to attend the next meet - and the Livamol Classic next month is one not to miss.