Northam woman Elizabeth Winlo wins state competition

Winlo’s prize included a racing holiday for two to London to attend Royal Ascot races, $10,000 spending money from TABtouch, $5,000 worth of diamond jewellery from Leon Baker Jewellers and a retail voucher for handbag label Jessica Bratich.

Winlo won the Vernice Fashions on the Field at this years Toodyay Picnic Race Day in a long floral dress, topped off with a gold tiara. 

As a winner of a Fashions on the Field competition at a country race day, Elizabeth was eligible to enter the WA Country Cups Wildcard Competition, where the public voted for their favourite outfit. 

She graced through the first and second round and was made eligible to enter the grand final as the Wildcard winner on Saturday, where she competed against finalists from regional heats all over WA including Pilbara, Goldfields, Gascoyne, Midwest, Wheatbelt, Peel, South West, Great Southern and Kimberley.

Winlo said she was felt overwhelmed after her victory. 

“It’s a dream come true,” she said. 

“I didn’t think I would win at Toodyay, I didn’t think I’d win the Wildcard, I didn’t think I’d win the Final – and here I am!

“I’ve never been to England and I just can’t wait.”

The Northam born woman said she grew up at the races. 

“I went to the track for the first time when I was five or six with my grandad,” she said.

“I just love the horses, I love the colours. It’s my hobby and my passion.”

On the day of her Toodyay win, she told the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt Advocate that fashion was an escape from everyday life.

“I have my two little kids and a busy household,” she said.

“It is my way to relax looking at fashion and millinery trends. 

“I love coming to the races, putting it all together and seeing other people putting it together.”

The WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field is an initiative by Racing and Wagering Western Australia, and is a regional racing fashion competition, consisting of regional heats held across the State, culminating into a Final at Ascot.