KEY POINTS:
If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again. And keep trying.
Sue Rikys will step out at today's Fashion in the Field event at Ellerslie Racecourse for the 21st consecutive year - still waiting to win.
The 56-year-old veteran of the annual Boxing Day competition is still empty-handed after more than two decades of trying. "It is not what I go for, to stand on that podium - but it would be nice to be recognised after all these years."
Mrs Rikys awaits the show so eagerly that for this year's event she had finished making her dress by October.
She attributes her poor return to the dominance of young designers and their models. Disgruntled with her professional competition, she suggested the organisers open a new category for mature women last year. She was "thrilled" when they agreed by introducing the "Ascot Lady" section for women over 45.
Her participation in the Fashion in the Field event is an anomaly to the rest of her year, a glamorous moment among many drab working days.
"It is totally different from what I usually do. It is the highlight of my year. I love that place. When you see people in their work clothes, day after day, miserable - they are at their happiest here, in this carnival atmosphere."
A biscuit firm merchandiser, she "wears the work clothes she is given", and relishes her chance to dress up on Boxing Day.
Her creation this year is an emerald green and black dress made from hundreds of pieces of Chinese silk squares, with a black jacket and huge hat. Fashion was a thwarted dream for Mrs Rikys, who set her mind on design in high school. "But we didn't have a student allowance or loans back then, and women didn't have careers."
Forty years on, she would love to capture a piece of that dream by becoming the "Ascot Lady". "It would be better than winning the lottery."
But first she'll just focus on staying in one piece. Four years ago, she fell while wearing very high heels and broke her leg in two places.
Her son Alex, who now yells "Don't break a leg" after her on Boxing Day, is participating in the men's competition for the first time this year.
And even if she doesn't have success, Mrs Rikys will already be planning her outfit for next year.
* What's at stake
Three-month lease of Mercedes-Benz CLC Coupe.
$3000 shopping spree at Alanah Hill, Nuffield St.
$3500 Spa & Rejuvenate Package at Mollies.
$4000 cruise in Fiji.
