Easter Races In Wintry Weather At Riccarton

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30107, 16 April 1963, Page 2

Easter Races In Wintry Weather At Riccarton

A wet wintry day for the opening of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s autumn meeting yesterday was met valiantly by the women racegoers who donned warm clothes to meet the challenge, and still managed to look smart. But for a glimpse of gold-leafed trees through the damp haze and petunias blooming bravely round the birdcage, it could have been an August meeting.

The new stand, with full amenities, enabled patrons to stay under cover all day if they wished, and here women could wear their new autumn hats without fear of a ruinous soaking. Though few in numbers, bowlers stole the fashion show. A trim black one, belted in black patent leather, was worn with such dash that no-one would have been surprised if it had been doffed in greeting to friends.

Another black bowler was etitched in bands of red and white, giving a tartan effect from a distance. A tan model, on a Sydney visitor, featured a toning feather mount and would have passed for a Tyrolean hat straight from the Austrian alpe. From comment heard on the stand, men fully approve of women in bowlers—the latest “crib*’ from their own wardrobes. But few men wore bowlers themselves. Perhaps they felt comparisons might be embarrassing. Mannish Look Many of the new season’s hats at yesterday’s races had a mannish look, which accentuates the femininity of a face if it is young and smallfeatured. Carried on to another winter were the flattering fur berets and pillboxes, as well as felt Breton sailor s upswept with matching fur. Because of the weather the elegant suits, usually identified with Easter races in Christchurch, were few or they were covered by snug topcoats. But one of the smartest women patrons, a former London model, com-; promised with the cold by, wearing a heavy novelty ■ tweed suit in beige tones, featuring a fringed scarf col-j lar. With it she teamed a striking coachman's hat in

matchimg soft felt Her toning accessories included a luxurious beige fox fur handbag Fur also gave the affluent touch to another attractive outfit. In light grey, it lined the upturned brim of a large sombrero, which was worn with a black and grey wool Chanel-type suit edged with black braid.

Heavy tweeds, velours with fur trims, sleek suede coats and camel hair trench coats all had their share of favouritism. London Boots

The day produced a galaxy of gay umbrellas and at least one pair of London boots. The warmest feet at Riccarton yesterday were probably those tucked inside the black patent London boots lined with fur and trimly waisted at the heels.

Mrs Gilbert Grigg, wife of the chairman of the club’s committee, wore a black and beige diagonally checked tweed coat over her black and white checked suit Her artist’s beret and accessories were black.

Mrs D. W. J. Gould, wife of the honorary treasurer, topped her light beige coat with a golden tan Breton sailor hat upturned with a swathe of black-tipped gold feathers.

Mrs P. D. Hall, wife of the chairman of the judicial

stewards, chose a teal Breton felt with a matching fine wool suit worn under her bronze-brown suede coat.

Visitors to the meeting included the foilawing: Mr and Mrs E. Vestey (England), Mr and Mrs F. Tolerton (Gisborne), Dr. and Mrs R. Fitzgerald (Oamaru), Mr and Mrs J. B. Deaker (Dunedin), and Mr and Mrs D. M. Reid (Dunedin).