Smiles in fashion on Auckland Cup Day

Fashion in the Field winners Nardine and Simon Hunt. Photo / Natalie Slade

Punters dressed in their finest let out squeals of joy and groans of frustration at the annual Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie yesterday.

An elated Kerre Woodham was seen rejoicing after her horse won.

However, Sir Peter Leitch was not as lucky. The Mad Butcher said he left early because his luck had dried up, but said he enjoyed the day nonetheless.

"It was a really pleasant day and it's really nice to mingle with everyone there. It was just a great time all round."

About 7000 people attended the horse-racing carnival but the day was just as much about the attire, with the Fashion in the Field competitions.

Nardine and Simon Hunt, fashion boutique owners from Havelock North, took home the Stella Artois Couple of the Carnival prize. Mrs Hunt said the day had been "a blast".

One of the races that couldn't be bet on was the secondary schools inaugural cross-country championship. An Auckland Cup Week spokesman said the race would now become a tradition.

The big winner of the day was Titch, who beat favourite Showcause in the $1 million feature race.

Meanwhile, the Auckland Racing Club's Racing for Christchurch Appeal fund has raised more than $600,000. The club hopes to raise $1 million.