The May Racing Carnival has kicked off in style with almost 600 well-dressed guests attending the Ladies Luncheon.
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Warrnambool's Jacinta Roache, Louise Hope and Kathleen Baudinette enjoyed catching up at the popular opening event.
"It's a fun day out," Ms Roache said.
"We don't have to leave the marquee. We love it when Gai (Waterhouse) comes to speak, I get a photo with her every year. It's good fun."
Warrnambool's Mel Braithwaite and Misty Blythe, from Warrnambool, were also enjoying a day out.
Ms Blythe chose to top off her outfit with a fresh flower headpiece, made by Martha Densley from Warrnambool's O'Grady's Florist.
"I wanted something different and pretty," Ms Blythe said. "Martha is really creative so I just asked her for something fresh."
First-time attendee Emily Broad is visiting Warrnambool from Geelong for the carnival, with regular racegoer Jess Mullen, from Bushfield.
The Sharp family, from the Mornington Peninsula, made their carnival debut with mum Carly.
She was accompanied by children Alia, 4, and Carter, 2, some of the youngest-ever Ladies Luncheon marquee attendees.
The family, who are Melbourne Racing Club members, enjoy attending various race meetings throughout the year.
Coral Fitzgerald, from Vermont South in Melbourne, is originally from Warrnambool.
"I have been coming down now for 20-odd years for the three days," she said.
"I love everything about it and the nightlife after."
Koroit's Mollie Coghlan-West is a regular Fashions on the Field competitor and has won Lady of the Day twice at the Warrnambool carnival.
Her hot tip for the Brierly Steeplechase was the Symon Wilde-trained Gold Medals.
"It would be great to see the local horse win again," she said.
Alas, it was not to be, with Gold Medals running second.
