Sun shines for day one of the TAB May Racing Carnival

Sunny weather delighted racegoers, as the usual umbrellas and overcoats were swapped for sun hats and sleeveless dresses.

The ladies luncheon hosted a plethora of excited ladies and gentlemen at a bursting marquee trackside.

Carnival ambassador Melissa Julius said she was honoured to be picked for the role. 

A life-long horsewoman, the ex-showjumper said she had a real passion for jumps racing.

She said she was delighted for her master, Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde, who took out the Brierly Steeplechase with “stable favourite” Gold Medals.

“I don’t get emotional but I was crying in the mounting yard after the race,” she said.

She took time our from her riding schedule to appear in the luncheon marquee, albeit in her jockey silks.

A group of nurses from South West Healthcare also made the most of day one.

Kylie Dorney and Hannah McNamara said the group of accident and emergency nurses had decideed to book a table for a fun day out.

“We are all wearing Vanessa Joy Millinery,” she said. “Vanessa is a nurse with us.”

Ms Dorney’s horse Due Course, trained by Wilde ran sixth in race 10.

In the member’s area Colleen Collett and Rosemary Ryan caught up and shared racing tips.

They have been attending the carnival for more than 40 years.

Ms Collett said she loved the both the social and racing aspect of the event.

Ms Ryan said she wouldn’t ever miss the races.

Warrnambool’s Kate Pinkerton showed off a stunning and unique floral headpiece.

It was made from real flora, by Martha Densley at O’Grady’s Florist.

“The succulents are from my garden and the roses are from my mum’s,” Ms Pinkerton said.

She enjoyed the races with friend Bonnie Lucas.

“Kate also smells great,” Ms Lucas quipped. 

Pure Academy were also on hand to apply any make-up touch-ups throughout the day, with students working in shifts.

Teacher Amy Chapman said it was a great learning experience.

“They will apply make-up to all different skin types,” she said. “It builds their confidence.”

Baby Noah Watkins could well have been the youngest person track side on day one of the TAB May Racing Carnival.

The four-month-old made his racing debut with mum Ilona.

“This is his first time at the races, but he has been to three weddings,” she said.

“He will be coming all three days this year. He’s easy at this age.”

She had packed a pair of trusty ear muffs, in case the ladies marquee got too raucous by the end of the afternoon.

With the sun shining on course, ladies rushed to mix up their autumnal outfits. 

The unseasonal sunny weather saw fur stoles and jackets removed, and heavy felt headpieces swapped for more trans-seasonal pieces.

Ladies enjoyed the always popular luncheon, with the marquee bursting with colour. Friends Meg Kenwright and Naomi Waterfall, from Woodford, enjoyed the annual soiree.

Naomi's natural floral headpiece was made late on Monday night "with a glass of wine", she laughed.

Her original headpiece did not arrive in time from the milliner, so a last-minute replacement had to be made to match her green outfit.

"A big thank you to my friend Shona McRae who made it," she said.

This year more men made an appearance in the luncheon marquee.

Sydney mates Greg Fiedler and Simon Boyce caught up with their Hobart pal Dale Armstrong. 

They said they were big fans of race caller Ric McIntosh.

Koroit’s Mollie Coghlan-West showed off a long, stripey dress. She said she was gearing up for Thursday’s Fashions on the Field.